James Ralph Wallace

James Ralph Wallace Sr., 95, of Rogers passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. He was born in Cooper, Texas, on Aug. 24, 1918, to James Wesley and Nellie Higgins Wallace. A World War II veteran, he served from 1941-1945 in the U. S. Army Postal Service in New York City. He married Clara Jewell Holdman in El Dorado, Ark., on May 30, 1942. He was a private pilot and held the amateur radio operator call W5VYM for over 60 years. He and his family moved to Northwest Arkansas from Monroe, La., in 1976 and developed War Eagle Cavern, which they owned and operated as a tourist attraction for more than 20 years. He and Jewell were active in state and local tourism organizations, Samaritan Community Center and Samaritan House Fellowship in Rogers, and loved to travel and work together. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who was known for his outgoing personality, constant encouragement and unfailing willingness to help others. He was simply one of the greatest members of the greatest generation and he will be forever missed. He was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 66 years, Jewell; and his parents. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Laura Wallace, and Wes and Tina Wallace of Rogers; a daughter, Jean Wallace of Springdale; his brother, Bob Wallace of Texarkana, Ark.; six grandchildren, Amy Wallace and Ben Wallace of Rogers, Kelli Marenic of Clifton, Va., Amanda Ingle, Kristi Thompson and Shannon Ingram of Rogers; eight great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful friends. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, with Pastor Wes Wallace officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Memories may be shared at stockdalefuneral.com.