James Raymond Wall

James Raymond Wall, 72, of Waco passed away peacefully Thursday, November 2, 2023. His life will be celebrated on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Waco Memorial Funeral Home with Chaplain Sarah Miller officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6:00 -8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Jim, also affectionately known by his siblings as “Bubba”, was born October 30, 1951 in Waco, Texas to Madeline Anna (Dillon) and Marcus “Kendrick” Wall. He attended Waco schools and graduated from Richfield High School in 1970. Jim moved to Houston where he lived for many years. While in Houston he did some modeling. Jim moved back to Waco where he became a Retail Sales Associate for various department stores including Dillard’s of Waco. He loved his work family and adored his customers. Eventually Jim retired from Dillard’s and began working part time at the library. Jim was a people person and was very outgoing. It was easy for him to make friends wherever he went. He had charm and charisma and had a way of making people feel loved and important.

Jim had a flare for decorating, cooking, and gardening. He had a way of making everything beautiful, which carried over to how he made people around him feel. Jim was quite the cook and wasn’t afraid to experiment in the kitchen. He made some of the best dishes which people 30 years later still brag about! Jim was crafty and could repurpose practically anything!

Jim will be remembered for his wonderful wit and sense of humor as well as his intense love for his family, friends, and pets. He was a warrior, full of strength and hit head on with grace and dignity any obstacles that came his way. His presence was larger than life and his absence will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those that loved him.

In the early 80’s Jim contracted HIV/AIDS. While many of his friends saw this as a death sentence, Jim participated in drug trials and helped the medical community develop treatments. He never gave up and lived a full life despite the diagnosis. Many lives were enriched by his braveness, positive attitude, and unwavering faith.

His last few years were spent living with and taking care of our wonderful mother, for which we are truly grateful. Jim was a blessing to all of us and will be forever in our hearts.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Kendrick Wall; long time partner, David Liefeste; nephews, Robert Breen and Marcus Wall, III; and his beloved furbabies, Chloe, Bart and Izzy.

He is survived by his mother, Madeline Wall; sisters, Pat Breen, Leslye Jones and husband, Jeff, Cindy Wall and partner, Anne Sprain; brother, Marc Wall and wife, Wendy; nieces and nephews, Stacey Jones and husband, Cliff Greene, Bailey Dobelbower and husband, John, Nicholas Jones and wife, Nicole, and Mikey Wall; several great nieces and nephews; and precious furbaby, Clemmie.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Gray Mutts Rescue, www.graymuttsrescue.com.