Bro. James Wallace

Alpha: October 3, 1937 – Omega: February 21, 2026

Bro. James Alfred Wallace, Jr. a native of New Orleans departed this life at the age of 88, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alfred Wallace, Sr. and Serena Minor Wallace, his brother Melvin Robert Wallace and his sister Celina Wallace Hobbs.

He was the loving and extraordinary husband of the late Fay Smith Wallace for 51 years. He was the devoted and exceptional father of Constance D. Wallace and Darren J. Wallace.

James attended Joseph S. Clark High School, and in his junior year took an exam offered by the Ford Foundation to exemplary students. He aced the exam and earned early admission to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. While at Morehouse he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a distinction he cherished every day of his life. James earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics/Physics.

His employment included more than 15 years as an Engineer/Systems Analyst for a contractor of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), during the time of manufacture of the Saturn booster rocket, used in the first human flight to the moon. James was also employed for 20 years by contractors of the Department of Energy (DOE), as Manager/Administrator for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) the agency that manages crude oil stored in Louisiana and Texas. Later, James committed 8 years of hard work and dedication to Total Community Action, Inc. as the Supervisor of Energy Services, James also served as the interim Director of Operations.

James leaves to cherish his memory daughter Constance, son Darren, sister- in-laws Linda Mott Wallace and Kay Smith Robinson; nieces Darlene Hobbs, Sharon Hunter, Dr. Melvia Wallace, Dr. Monica Wallace, and Serena Wallace; nephews Clifford Hobbs, Wallace Michael Hobbs, and Shelby Wallace and a host of fraternity brothers, relatives and friends.

James was a strong family man, a great leader, a trailblazer, teacher and mentor. He was humorous, generous, a man of great integrity and a true class act.

Bro. James Alfred Wallace, Jr.’s Omega Story:

Bro. James Wallace was initiated into the fraternity on May 4, 1956 (Psi Chapter) while attending Morehouse College, located in Atlanta, GA. After graduating from Morehouse in June, 1958, Bro. Wallace, began working at Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, MS for several years. In 1959 Bro. Wallace and his family moved back to New Orleans and he joined Rho Phi Chapter in 1961. He was active in the chapter and served on the Talent Hunt and other committees and also as the Parliamentarian. After a few years he became inactive to concentrate on his career and family. Bro. Wallace rejoined the chapter in 2011. He served the chapter as a member and later Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for many years. He also participated in the chapter’s annual Mentoring and Career Day programs at various schools in the New Orleans area and on other committees. One of his favorite sayings was “Don’t give me any documents if you don’t want me to read it”. He will surely be missed for his dedication to the fraternity and Rho Phi Chapter.