James Walles ’52

James WallesJames Alton Walles (Jim), 82, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2015, at the Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Brentwood, New Hampshire.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Harry Alton and Josephine Walles; his loving wife of 46 years, Betsey Walles and his brother, David Vaughn Walles. Jim is survived by his wife, Carole Walles.

Jim and Carole married in Exeter, N.H. on August 5, 2005. Their romance rekindled when Jim tracked Carole down in 2004. They were just as happy together these last ten years as when they were teenage prom king and queen. Jim was very proud of his children, Jane Walles Hall (Steve) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Robert Alton Walles (Jennifer) of Wen-ham, Massachusetts and Elizabeth Walles Duda (Aaron) of Tega Cay, South Carolina. He also delighted in his grandchildren, Gretchen and James Hall of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Mackenzie and Zackery Walles of Wenham, Massachusetts and Charles, Harry and Josephine Duda of Tega Cay, S.C. His family admired Jim for his intelligence, morals and love for his family.

Jim was born in Malden, Massachusetts on June 29, 1933. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1954. He graduated from Amherst College in 1958 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1962.

His many titles over the years included soldier, small business owner, director of sales, director of marketing, director of cargo marketing, cargo general manager, manager of airports, city vice president, vice president of passenger services, regional vice president, vice president of operations, divisional vice president, managing director and executive director. He worked for General Electric, Family Laundry, Adley Express, TWA, Allied Aviation, Ogden Corporation, LAXTEC Corp and Aviation Consulting. He was the mastermind behind round-trip ticketing in the airline business. His employees and colleagues relied on him for his solid, strategic way of thinking, loyalty and mentorship.

One thought on “James Walles ’52”

  1. I only knew Jim for one year- our senior year together at Williston – but his friendly smile and welcoming manner made a big impression on me. Jim lived just down the hall from me on the first floor of Ford Hall and I often hung out with him listening to Stan Kenton jazz records or just figuring out what life was supposed to be all about. Jim made that year easier for me as a “new boy” at school and he left an impression on me that I’ve never forgotten. You will be missed but not forgotten, big guy!

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