Palomar Mountain News

Jim was a familiar and beloved presence on Palomar Mountain for many years. His parents, Earl and Helen, had Tom Fortney build the “Big Green” home you see coming up the South Grade, a place that became both a landmark and a reflection of the deep roots their family planted there. They broke ground thirty years ago on the snowy Monday, the day after Easter in 1996. The mountain was more than scenery to Jim; it was part of who he was, woven into his daily life and cherished memories. What follows is a heartfelt tribute to Jim from his sister, Linda Fortney.

A NOTE OF PASSING

   James Lee Walls, of Poway, CA passed peacefully in his sleep, on December 25, 2025.  He was 73 years old.  Jim was born on February 21, 1952, to Helen Parker and Earl Lee Walls, in Charleston, West Virginia.  At the age of 2 his family moved to St. Louis, MO before settling in La Jolla, CA in 1963 where Jim’s father worked with Jonas Salk in designing the Salk Institute.

    Between graduating from high school and finishing college at USIU Jim developed a love for flying, horses and dirt.  He got his pilot’s license, a horse and a tractor.  His piloting skills led to many happy hours in the sky.  The horse led him to Brown’s Ranch in the late ‘70s where he met his future wife, Allison Marsh.  They married and had two children, Justin Parker and Jessica Lee.  They settled in Poway, CA where they continued their love for horses, both at The Horse Park (Rancho Peñasquitos) and Poway Valley Rider’s Association (PVRA) where Jim served a term as chairman of the Poway Rodeo.  For many years they had Belgian draft horses and ran a successful hayride business as well as hauling trash at the Del Mar Fair every summer.  They were heavily involved with the Equestrian Program at the Fair.  His love of dirt led him to become a licensed Civil Engineering contractor and was known as a master on a skip loader and bulldozer.

    Jim worked for a number of years for his father’s company, Earl Walls Associates (EWA).

    As an adult Jim found a love in fighting fire as a dozer operator.  He spent many hours and years moving dirt, cutting fire roads, protecting firefighters and property.  Working with his son in the Fire Corps as well as the private sector was a happy time for him.  After Jim’s Dad built a home on Palomar Mountain Jim found his peace in the wilderness.

    Preceded in death by his parents, Helen (2000) and Earl (2012), as well as his brother Richard (2013).  He is survived by his wife Lissa Dennick, his sister Linda Fortney (Thomas) of Escondido/Palomar Mountain, his son Justin Walls (Patricia) of Solana Beach, his daughter Jessica Walls (Crane) of Poway, granddaughters Cadence and Leighton Reed of Poway, and Audrey Walls of Houston, Tx.  Survivors also include the mother of Justin and Jessica, Allison Smith, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a great many friends who were, and are, considered family.

   His ashes are to be scattered during a private family service with a public Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.  In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that any donations be made to Palomar Mountain Fire Safe Council (PMFSC), PO Box 274, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060