House Resolution 1

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE UNWAVERING PUBLIC SERVICE OF OUR ESTEEMED COLLEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE JAMES PRICE WALLACE AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Isaiah 57:1-2 "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness" and in that spirit, a gregarious, beloved and esteemed colleague, friend, husband, father, grandfather and member of the House of Representatives, Mr. James Price Wallace, passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2026; and

WHEREAS, affectionately referred to as "Price", Representative Wallace walked into every room with a larger than life personality bringing joy and happiness to every space he entered, always greeting everyone with a level of enthusiasm that made them feel as if they were the only person in the room elevating any encounter with him to be described as "special"; and

WHEREAS, a fierce advocate for District 77, he has passionately served his constituents in Rankin County and Simpson County for the past nine years with an unwavering commitment to restoring the constitutional rights of Mississippians by leading the charge as Chairman of the Constitution Committee, and as a member of the Agriculture, Apportionment and Elections, Conservation and Water Resources, Public Property, Transportation, Ways and Means and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committees; and

WHEREAS, a poultry farmer by trade, Representative Wallace was diligent and methodical about his trade and always strived to learn more as a poultry farmer; and

WHEREAS, not only was he a student of his trade, he was a leader in his industry by serving as the President of the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association in 2014, and President of the Simpson County Cattlemen's Association, and also as a member of the Mississippi Beef Council, Simpson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions Committee, and he previously served as a Simpson County Election Commissioner for 11 years; and

WHEREAS, by the example of his service, integrity, and devotion to both God and community, Representative Wallace taught those privileged to know and serve alongside him the wisdom embodied in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom," demonstrating through his actions that a meaningful life is measured not merely by years lived, but by the positive and lasting impact one leaves upon others, particularly through his commitment to serving as an ambassador for youth who aspire to achieve a livelihood livestock farming, as made evident through his passionate spearheading of the Mississippi Legislature's annual support of "Sale of the Champions" livestock show, which raised countless dollars in scholarship funds for participants; and

WHEREAS, a servant in every way, Price was also a devoted member at The Church of Mendenhall, who enjoyed serving the ministry by greeting everyone at the door each Sunday with a bulletin and a smile; and

WHEREAS, throughout a life distinguished by honorable public service, steadfast leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the citizens of Mississippi, Representative Wallace exemplified the enduring truth found in Psalm 73:26, which declares, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," for although his earthly labors have ceased, the strength, character, and faith that sustained him throughout his journey remain an enduring testament to a life well lived; and

WHEREAS, over and above all of his many accomplishments, Representative Wallace's proudest title in life was "Paw Paw" as his family and friends were his pride and joy, and all those who knew Representative Wallace understood "To know Price is to love Price!" because he lived life to the fullest up until his last breath, and stories of his life and his gratitude for life will be told for many years to come; and

WHEREAS, to cherish his memory and tell the wonderful stories of his life, Price leaves his wife Cindy, who has supported him in all his endeavors, children, Cobby, Angela and Justin; grandchildren, Ethan, Madyson, Kylie, Bailey and Ansley; and two great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, as family, friends, colleagues, and constituents mourn the passing of this distinguished public servant, they are comforted by the promise of our Lord recorded in John 14:27-28: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid," finding solace in the assurance that the Honorable Price Wallace has exchanged the burdens of temporal life for the eternal peace and rest prepared by the Heavenly Father for His faithful servants; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of a public servant like Representative Price Wallace who was passionate not only about the citizens of his legislative district, but the citizens of the State of Mississippi, and who brought joy and laughter in every space he entered leaving an indelible impression of positivity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the life and legacy of our esteemed colleague Representative James "Price" Wallace and express deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Representative James "Price" Wallace and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.