James Henry Walls

James Henry Walls passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2020, at the age of seventy-eight.  He was born on May 12, 1942 in Englewood, New Jersey.

James excelled in athletics at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood.  James won a state championship in football in 1960 and was all-state wide receiver.  In 1961, he was a member of championship teams in both basketball and football.  James was the shooting guard of the 1961 NJ State Championship Team.  He was affectionately nicknamed “Squirrel”.  James graduated from Dwight Morrow in 1961, and still has so many cherished friendships.  

James was also an avid bowler and he possessed “299” and “300” rings, to reflect his incredible ability in this sport.   

James spent two years in the United States Army, followed by a long-term career at 3M.  He gained so many valued friendships during his time at 3M. 

James married Kathy Pollock Walls on September 3, 1999, and when he retired from 3M in 2001, they moved from New Jersey to California, where he loved spending time with family and his furry BFF’s, Samson and Ben. 

James was always so appreciative of the lifelong friendships that he developed throughout his life.

James leaves a legacy of love, gentleness, kindness, and strength for his family; his wife, Kathy; step-children, Cal Parker, Stacy LaFontant, and David Parker;  sister, Diane Zeigler, and brother, Gary Walls; lifetime friend/brother Robert Sampson, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  James is pre-deceased by his parents, James and Ruth Walls; and siblings Edward Walls, Michael Walls, and Joann Boyd. 

Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”

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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”