James "Jim" Ambrose Wallar, 98, of Defiance, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center of Defiance, Ohio. He was born on February 8, 1917, to Frank and Lucretia (Spratt) Wallar in Paulding, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he did a correspondence course through the mail for college. He served his country in the Corporal HQ Boston Fight WG Gunner in Crew 214. He was in the U.S. Army from 1943-46. After returning from the military, he married the love of his life, Joyce Mercedes Baird, on November 4, 1946. His son was born on August 29, 1947. Jim worked for Stone's Grocery as a butcher; for 31 years at National Memorial Stone Company; and also for the State of Ohio Bureau of Unemployment Services. After his wife of 50 years passed away, he met Marcella Hedrick, who was his dance partner and companion for 15 years. They were still dancing circles around the dance floor with more stamina than their fellow dancers. They were well known for their dance moves to dances such as the jitterbug, polka, and waltz. Jim is survived by granddaughters, Crystina (Eric See) Wallar and daughter Annabelle, Tonya (Eric) Wickham and their children Cassidy and Lindsay; grandsons, Thomas Miller, Todd (Missy) Miller and their children Bowan and Brynna, and Troy Miller and his children Ashely and Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucretia Wallar; loving wife of 50 years, Joyce Wallar; son, James N. Wallar; stepson, Thomas (Butch) Miller; dance partner, Marcella Hedrick; and a sister in infancy. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, with graveside military honors conducted by VFW Post 3360. Memorials are suggested to the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com. Want to leave your comments?