Tributes from political figures, including Conservative peers and MSPs, praised him as a giant and a gentleman who cared deeply for Scotland.

He is survived by his wife Rosie, two daughters, three grandchildren, and his mother and brother, with his family noting his continued public and church involvement.

His obituary emphasizes his impact on Scottish public life and his ongoing involvement in public affairs up to his death.

Beyond politics, he served as moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 2021 to 2022, reflecting broad public-service commitment.

Jim Wallace, a towering figure in Scottish Liberal Democrat politics and the first deputy first minister, led the party at Holyrood and helped form the landmark 1999 coalition with Labour.

He served as Holyrood’s first deputy first minister, even acting as first minister on several occasions during transitions in 2000 and 2001 as leadership changed.

Wallace spent 18 years as the Liberal MP for Orkney and Shetland before becoming Scottish Liberal Democrat leader in 1992 and guiding the Lib Dems in Scotland’s first Holyrood elections in 1999.

Family tributes highlight his ongoing public and community engagement and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones at his passing.

Rosie Wallace described his death as sudden, noting he remained active—traveling to London, engaging in House of Lords work, and singing in the Dunblane Cathedral choir over the festive period.

Wallace was respected across party lines for public service, integrity, and calm inclusive leadership, remaining active in civic and charitable work after frontline politics.

Jim Wallace died at 71 following complications from a scheduled major operation in Edinburgh, leaving behind a legacy as Scotland’s first deputy first minister.

She emphasized that Jim died suddenly while still active in public life and was surrounded by family.