James Walls

It is with the greatest sadness that the family of James J Walls Jr. announces his passing on January 4, 2022. James (Jim) was born in New York City on September 9, 1942. As a young boy he moved to Haworth with his family. He became a well known and popular member of that community. After attending Bergen Catholic High School, he came to admire the Irish Christian Brothers who taught there. That admiration led him to enroll in that order. Jim received his Bachelor’s, Master’s and 30 credits at Seton Hall and Iona College. He was educated as a teacher and he taught in several schools run by the Irish Christian Brothers. After several years in the order he felt a growing desire to have a family of his own. He left the order, started teaching at Sacred Heart School in Haworth, and shortly after that he married, and he had three beloved daughters, Lisa, Lynn and Lori. When daughter, Lisa, developed acute kidney disease, Jim accompanied her to every dialysis treatment and doctor’s appointment. In 1980, he donated a kidney to Lisa so she’d no longer need to endure dialysis. Jim had a long career teaching middle school in Dumont, NJ. He ran the Haworth Swim Club for many years making many friends and generating wonderful memories for generations of people. Jim’s final career was as an account executive for Staples Corporate in South Hackensack, NJ. Jim was predeceased by his parents , James J Sr and Madeline Lynch Walls, and his daughter Lisa. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Joan Terraciano Walls, his daughters Lynn(David) Smith, Lori(Scott) Lenahan, his four adored grandchildren Thomas, Madelyn, James and Jaclyn. He is also survived by his sister Sheila (Dennis) O’Leary, his brother Brian (Linda) Walls, two nephews and a niece. Jim had many wonderful years taking his children and grandchildren on adventures, points of interest and the yearly family vacation in the Outer Banks, NC. Jim was an exceptionally intelligent man who was one of the kindest, gentlest men who ever walked the earth. The world has lost a source of love, light, and uncommon intelligence. Visitation at the Barrett Leber Funeral Home 148 Dean Dr., Tenafly on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 9AM - 11:45AM. Funeral Mass to follow at 12 PM at Sacred Heart Church, Haworth, NJ. Interment will be private.