James A. "Jim" Wallis

James "Jim" A. Wallis of Steelville, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, MO, at the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 16 days. He was born on January 31, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, to Andrew "Andy" Halbert Wallis and Gladys Irene Wallis, née Lea.
Jim graduated from Steelville High School with the Class of 1962. As a young man, he made the life-changing decision to accept the Lord as his personal Savior-an anchor of faith that would guide him throughout his life.
On January 10, 1965, Jim married Lois "Peggy" Fields in Cherryville, MO, and together they had five children. He later married Sarah "Fern" Perkins, née Reed, on February 27, 1982, at the Steelville Presbyterian Church, and together they raised seven children in a loving and lively home.
Jim worked as an engineer with Con-Tel, which later became GTE, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. Always an entrepreneur at heart, he opened the Steelville Bowling Alley in 1973 and operated it until 1976. He also worked for a time as an electrician and later, alongside Fern, owned and operated Fun Times Pool and Spa for ten years.
A founding member of Straightway Baptist Church, Jim remained an active member throughout the years, serving faithfully as a deacon and teaching the men's Sunday School class. His faith was a central part of his life and legacy.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in fishing, deer hunting, and coon hunting. He cherished time spent traveling with Fern, camping at Clearwater, and fishing trips to Oklahoma with his sons. He also enjoyed friendly card games-especially hearts-and was known for his cheerful spirit, always humming, singing, or dancing to his own jigs.
Above all, Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather who found his greatest happiness in the company of his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Gladys Wallis; first wife, Peggy Wallis; parents-in-law Bill and Dale Fields, Melvin and Mildred Reed; brothers, Kenny Joe Wallis, Bill Gary Wallis and Jerry Wallis; brothers-in-law, Dale Kidd and Jerry Reed; son-in-law, Sam Halbert and nephew, Nathan Hedrick.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sarah "Fern" Wallis of Steelville, MO; children, Jeff (Julie) Perkins of Steelville, MO, Danny (Pam) Wallis of Viburnum, MO, Jackie (Gary "Fella") Blanford of Cuba, MO, Becky (Jim) Dobkins of Colstrip, MT, Jennifer (Brad) Bouse of Steelville, MO, Sara (Adam) Asher of Boss, MO and Eric (Michelle) Wallis of Steelville, MO; siblings, Janet (Don) Hedrick of Steelville, MO and Tom (Paulette) Wallis of Sullivan, MO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Diane Kidd of TX, Perry (Diane) Reed of West Plains, MO, Mary Esther (John) Parry of Steelville, MO, Larry Reed of Steelville, MO, Diane (Denny) Delcour of Isabella, MO and Susan Wallis of Mountain Grove, MO; 23 grandchildren, Philip (Beth) Blanford, Kelsey (Alan) Edgar, Andrew (Emily) Wallis, Kaley (Jesse) Hopkins, Zac (Jaci) Garrison, Shelby (Austin) Cunningham, Tyler Dobkins, Marlena (Kyle) Helms, Justin (Libby) Perkins, Melanie (Ben) Weber, Madison (Daniel) Park, Cole Bouse, Maggie Bouse, Peggy (Hunter) Kay, Samuel Halbert, Natalie Halbert, Damen (Cheyenne) Asher, Kiaira Asher, Caleb (Abie) Parry, Trevor Wallis, Avery (Isaiah) Arndt, Carter Wallis and Cameron Wallis; 32 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Funeral Service is at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Straightway Baptist Church in Steelville, MO, officiated by Pastor Mike Jarvis and Pastor Adam Asher. Burial will be at Straightway Baptist Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Evelyn's House in gratitude for their compassionate care.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.