James Frederick Walling, of Flint, TX, passed away at the age of 77 on April 2nd, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinsons Disease.

James was born on August 2nd, 1948, to William and Mary Walling. Surviving siblings are Michael Walling, Connie Jessup, Susan Rooney, Mary Anne Rosenthal, and Debbie Haarstad. His children are Christie Morris and Michael Morris. Grandchildren are Kaleyanna Ramirez, Kassandra Whitfield, Tara Angel, and Alec Ceballos, Jax Morris, Great Grandchildren are Zahaya Ramirez, Zaira Ramirez, Zephyr Whitfield.

Graduated from Carlsbad High School, attended DeAnza Community College then transferred to San Diego State where he received a BA in Visual Fine Arts. Attended a summer post graduate program in Italy and then traveled Europe and SE Asia.

Jim loved music, going to concerts, one of the original deadheads. Diverse in his music taste. Loved skiing, working at ski resorts in the winter when construction was slow. He used to teach art classes at his kids school when he had time. Traveled the world always looking for new adventures.

Enjoyed the outdoors and had several athletic interests, among them Water skiing, snow skiing, back country hiking, hang gliding and motorcycles, likely others I may not be remembering.

Coming of age during the beginning of San Francisco’s psychedelic rock scene he attended many concerts at the Fillmore and Winterland Ballroom, recounting stories of the many notable acts he saw for many decades. His room was covered with Fillmore posters, a psychedelic mural he painted, and he made his own light show box that lit up the space with psychedelic patterns as it rotated.

He was playful and was often called "a free spirit" by his parents. His many nieces and nephews knew him as the fun uncle. He maintained close connections with his friends throughout his life and will be missed by many.

For the bulk of his life he worked for concrete contractors in various parts of the country, relocating when the work picked up elsewhere. He was hard working and respected by both the crews he led and the owners he worked for.

Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdelene Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson's Foundation.