James R. Walls, a longtime resident of Hartford, Michigan, more recently of Big Rapids, Michigan, and a winter resident of Crystal River, Florida, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, passing peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 18, 2026, after a valiant and grace-filled battle with glioblastoma. He was 82 years old.

James believed deeply in uniting his suffering with that of Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for humankind. He understood suffering not as defeat, but as a sacred path drawing us closer to God and to one another, an occasion for love. His life bore witness to this belief, especially in his final months, as he endured his illness with courage, faith, and strength.

Born on August 19, 1943, in Saginaw, Michigan, James was one of four children born to Anne (Napora) and Frank Walls. He was raised in Saginaw alongside his siblings, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1961, where he excelled in athletics, participating in football and basketball.

Following high school, James answered the call to serve his country, guided by a strong sense of patriotism and duty. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Military Police. When called upon, he volunteered to become a door gunner on a helicopter flying missions in the Republic of Vietnam starting in the fall of 1963 through the summer of 1964. He took part in many combat operations, including the Battle of Kien Long. For his courage and dedication, he received several military honors and citations including the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters. That service left a lasting impact, and he often spoke of comrades whose names appear on the first panel of the Vietnam War Memorial, men he proudly served alongside and never forgot.

Upon returning home, James proposed to the love of his life, Marguerite “Peggy” Hrinik. Together, they built a family and a life rooted deeply in faith and love, raising seven exceptional children.

Upon leaving the Army, James continued his life of service in law enforcement, both as a Saginaw County Sheriff Deputy and Ferris State University Campus Police Officer. James changed careers but still continued his life of service through education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in counseling from Central Michigan University. He dedicated more than three decades to teaching mathematics, coaching, driver’s education instruction and serving as a high school guidance counselor. His commitment to students extended far beyond the classroom, as he became a trusted mentor and friend to many, a legacy that continues through the countless lives he shaped.

James’s service extended deeply into his community life. He was honored as Hartford Citizen of the Year and Tri-Cities Father of the Year, recognitions that reflected his selfless spirit. A devoted member of Lions Club International, he served twice terms as District Governor and in numerous local, district, and regional leadership roles. He received many awards, including the International President’s Leadership Medal for his extraordinary service and the S.A. Dodge Award. One of his passions was collecting and trading Lions Club pins, building a remarkable collection representing every U.S. state for multiple decades. He also served as the Hartford Lions Club Strawberry Run Director for 30 years and helped establish and organize the Hartford Christmas Basket Program for 28 years.

A proud Knight of Columbus, James served as Grand Knight for seven years and was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Big Rapids, where he lived out his faith through humble service. When James and Marguerite first moved to Big Rapids as young adults, he volunteered to coach the grade school sports teams at the parish school. At a time when they were just starting out and had little to give, their church community surprised them with a Christmas basket, a gesture of generosity that James and Marguerite never forgot and sought to pay forward throughout their lives.

James found joy in simple things: he was an avid runner in his younger years (even doing a one-hundred-mile solo run), working outdoors, traveling, feeding and watching wildlife at their home in Big Rapids, enjoying a good comedy, and cheering for the Detroit Lions. He was known for his sweet tooth and loved sharing a box of doughnuts with his grandchildren—moments of laughter and love that captured his joyful spirit.

Even in illness, James’s humor, faith, and gratitude never wavered. He faced each day with courage, surrounded by the love of family and friends. His life stands as a testament to faith lived fully; service given humbly, and love offered freely. His legacy endures in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

James will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of sixty years, Marguerite, and by his children: J. Walls; Therese (William) Schafer; David Walls (Missy Walther); Kathleen Walls; Matthew Walls; Jeffrey (Becky) Walls; and Joseph Walls. He leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Luke, Ella, and Nicholas Schafer; Riley and Mia Walther; Delmar James; Daphne Walls; along with extended family including R. Taylor; Matthew Taylor; his nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Walter Walls, Nancy Pirkl, and Rebecca Loucks, as well as by his parents.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday March 4th, 2026, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at 1009 Marion Avenue, Big Rapids, MI. Friends, family, and acquaintances are encouraged to share memories starting at 7:00PM. Visitation will close with the recital of the Holy Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 7:45PM. Visitation will also take place on Thursday March 5th, 2026, from 10:00AM until the time of Mass. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday March 5th, 2026, starting at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Big Rapids, MI. At the conclusion of mass, a memorial service will be celebrated by the Knights of Columbus followed by Military Honors.

A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow mass in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to share friendship, fellowship, and memories.

Rite of Committal will take place at a later date at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Big Rapids, MI.

Arrangements are entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be shared at www.daggettfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions honoring James’s legacy be directed to Mount Carmel Cemetery c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Big Rapids, MI), Knights of Columbus Council 1300 (Big Rapids, MI), or the Stanwood Lions Club (Stanwood, MI).