James Read Stallings

James R. Stallings, Brigadier General (retired) United States Army, 88, passed away on June 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona after a long courageous battle with prostate cancer. Jimmie, a Phoenix native, the fifth of seven sons born to Oliver P. and Lucy B. Stallings who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Eddie, Bev, Jack and Bob, his wife of 54 years, Eleanor Bradley Stallings and grandson, James Lee Stallings. He attended Garfield, McKinley and Emerson Elementary Schools and Phoenix Union High School, Class of '39, all in Phoenix. While still in high school in February, 1938 he enlisted as a Private in the Arizona National Guard. He was inducted into Federal service with his unit, the 158th Infantry in September, 1940, and rose through the ranks to Battalion Communications Chief. He was assigned to the Officer Candidate School, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant in November, 1942, and subsequently was assigned to the 102nd Infantry Division. In September, 1944, he was transferred to the European Theater of Operations and saw extensive action throughout the Rhineland and Central Europe. In September, 1945, he returned to the Continental United States, was released from active duty in December, and entered the Officers Reserve Corps. He again joined the Arizona National Guard in April, 1947, and was appointed Adjutant, 2nd Battalion, 158th Infantry. In March, 1949, he was appointed as Adjutant, 158th Infantry and continued as Adjutant of the 258th Separate Infantry Brigade upon reorganization in March, 1959. He subsequently served the 258th Separate Infantry Brigade as Executive Officer and Deputy Commander and was appointed Deputy Commander of the 258th Military Police Brigade upon reorganization in December, 1967. He was appointed Commander of the 258th Military Police Brigade in December, 1970, a position he held until his retirement in July, 1976. During his military career he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two stars, World War II Victory Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. His civilian occupations included Staff Administrative Assistant, Headquarters, 258th Military Police Brigade, Arizona Army National Guard followed by Public Relations Officer for a security firm and Real Estate Sales. In his retirement years he enjoyed giving back to the community. He was involved with the March of Dimes, walking in the annual fund raiser as well as sitting on the Board. He was an LPGA transportation volunteer for many years and served most of those years as Chairman of that committee. All of the LPGA ladies loved him as he always made their Phoenix tour stop a memorable one by his ability to accommodate their needs and desires. He was Parliamentarian for the Gamblers Anonymous even though he could make a roll of dimes last three days in Vegas. He accepted the position at the request of a friend. He also was an active member of the Bushmasters and MOWW organizations. He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Vivian Price Stallings, stepson Cary Price (Linda); son Don (Deb); stepson John Price (Darlene); daughter Cheri LaBarbera, two brothers Ollie (Rowena) and Harry (Paula). He will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and other members of his first family as well as bonus family members acquired by his marriage to Vivian. A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Sunday, June 27, 2010. Memorial service will be held Monday, June 28, 2010 at 10:00 AM, both at the A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013. A graveside service at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, Arizona will immediately follow the conclusion of the 10:00 AM service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you please make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.