James Andrew Wallace, “Jamie”, 54, of Ridgefield, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024. He was the loving husband of Barbara Anne (Ferguson) Wallace, and devoted father of Heather and Ian Wallace.
Jamie was born on May 22, 1970 in Huntington, NY; a son of Judith (Magill) and the late Rev. John L. Wallace. Throughout high school, he was a lifeguard on the north shore of Long Island and loved everything about the water. He was a third-generation graduate of the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH, receiving a degree in English with honors. A life-long musician, Jamie played saxophone and clarinet in both his high school and college marching band. He was a member of Beta Kappa Phi, and frequently reminisced of fun adventures. Jamie lived out his twenties in New York City, working as a recruiter and later a sales associate for Verizon Business. Later, he moved to Tarrytown, NY. An active member of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, he met his wife, Barbara Anne, there in October 2000. Jamie volunteered for the Tarrytown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, providing basic life support and transportation to medical facilities in the Tarrytown area.
Unfortunately, Jamie struggled with his health throughout his entire life. However, his strong faith and love of family helped him through every obstacle he faced. He never stopped fighting. Jamie received a double heart and kidney transplant in 2018, extending his life by six years. His love and faith in God was steadfast and carried him through to the end.
A resident of Ridgefield, CT, since 2007, Jamie was a sales executive for Amazon Web Services for ten years. He was honored by the American Red Cross for his heroism during the Valhalla Train Crash in 2015. He was a longtime member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church and was active in the church Men’s Group and choir. Jamie enjoyed 80s rock music, tending to his vegetable garden, and ski trips to Mohawk Mountain with his family. Jamie was a lover of words and language and loved family game nights.
Jamie is survived by his wife of 20 years, Barbara Anne, as well as their cherished children; Heather and Ian. Jamie is also survived by his mother, Judy; his brother, Rob Wallace and his wife, Serena; his sister, Linda Grasso and her husband, Tom; his brother in law, John Ferguson and his wife, Sue; his brother in law, Bill Ferguson and his wife, Carolyn; and his mother in law, Barbara D. Ferguson. In addition, Jamie is survived by his nieces and nephews: Blake Wallace and his wife, Carlie; Julia Wallace, Christian Wallace; John Ferguson III and his wife, Daniella; Carolyn Fernandez and her husband, Mark; Kelly Ferguson, Laura Ferguson, and a grand nephew, Luca Ferguson.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Following the funeral service, all are welcome to gather at the Jesse Lee Church Carriage House for a reception in celebration of Jamie’s life. Interment will take place privately.
For family and friends travelling from out of town, hotel accommodations can be made at the Hilton Garden Inn - 119 Mill Plain Road; Danbury, CT 06811; (203) 205-2000, https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dnbdhgi-hilton-garden-inn-danbury/
Correspondences are welcomed by the family and can be sent to Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street; Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Contributions in Jamie’s memory may be made to Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church: 207 Main Street; Ridgefield, CT, 06877, http://www.jesseleechurch.com or the Ronald McDonald House New York: 405 East 73rd Street; New York, NY 10021, http://www.rmh-newyork.org