James R. Walls, 64, died June 7, 2015, in St. Louis.

He was born Oct. 20, 1950, in East St. Louis, son of the late Russell and Marie Walls (O’Guinn).

Mr. Walls attended Holy Family, Sacred Heart and Assumption High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1972.

Mr. Walls retired from Exxon Mobil Corporation with 17 years of service and at that time started his second career as a professional musician, his true passion in life.

Surviving is his wife of 39 years, Rebecca Walls (nee Lang) of St. Louis; daughters Holly (Tom) Montgomery of Arnold, Mo., and Lisa Marie (Abdulelah) Walls of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; grandchildren Badr, Yara, Tala, Aban and Laya; and sister Sandra (Dan) Ferrell of Waterloo. He was also a dear cousin and friend to all.

Mr. Walls was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lawrence Walls.

Visitation was June 12, at the Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia.

Funeral services were June 13, at the funeral home, Father Paul Wienhoff officiating.

Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis.

Memorials may be made to Sunnyhill, Inc. in St. Louis, an organization tailored to help individuals with developmental disabilities.