Jonathan "Jon" Wallas

Jonathan "Jon" Wallas died October 7, 2025 at home. Born July 8, 1945 in Charlotte to David and Beatrice Wallas, Jon graduated from Duke University in 1967 and Columbia Law School in 1970. 

After graduating law school Jon clerked for the Honorable Judge James B. McMillan in Charlotte during the decision of the landmark Swann v. Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education bussing desegregation case. Following this influential clerkship Jon joined the first racially integrated law firm in North Carolina, founded by Julius Chambers and James E. Ferguson. At the firm Jon became partner and worked for many years with his colleagues handling mainly employment discrimination cases. He argued two cases in the United States Supreme Court, winning one and losing one.  In 1972 Jon married Penni Ackerman (now Penni Powell) and in 1978 Jon and Penni traveled to China, Malaysia, Nepal and India when it was rare to find tourists there. Jon and Penni had one daughter together, Amy Wallas (Fox). Jon and Penni divorced in the late 1980's but remained on friendly terms.  Soon thereafter Jon met Diane St. John who was his partner for many years. Jon and Diane enjoyed many trips together including visiting the mountains of Celo, NC and the shores of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, two of Jon's favorite places.  Jon also took Amy on many trips including to London, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Scandinavia and France while she was a child, instilling a lifelong love of travel. Jon also loved New York City where he attended law school and where his dear friend June Fortess lives. Jon played a standing weekly bridge game with a group of friends including his best friend since childhood, Ed Finman, as well as Jim Fuller, Margo Williams and Ken Essex (deceased). Jon also served as godfather for Ed's daughter, Sarah Finman Jones, a role he took pride in.  He loved Roy Orbison and listened to his music loud at home and in his car.  Jon was also a lifelong sports fan, cheering on the Duke Blue Devils and the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as his local Charlotte teams. As a student at Duke, Jon served as Sports Editor for the Duke University newspaper. Jon was known for his watermelon parties, his generosity and his dedication to being an involved father and grandfather. A man of few words, Jon stood up for what he believed in but did not care much for small talk.  After a client called Jon "Mr. Walrus" (his other nickname was "Big Jon"), Jon began collecting walruses and amassed a collection of several hundred over the years. Jon is survived by daughter Amy Wallas Fox (Calvin Fox) and three grandchildren, Asher, Nava and Dalia Fox; brother Philip Wallas (Lynn Hallen); sister Wendy Wallas; niece Amanda Wallas (Kevin Weaver) life partner Diane St. John; and many other beloved family members, friends and neighbors.  A private celebration of life will be held for Jon at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Legal Defense Fund (https://www.naacpldf.org/) or the ACLU of North Carolina (https://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/).