COCOA, Fla. – Jim Wallen’s tragic death has left a hole in his family’s lives as well as the larger Cocoa community where he had a great impact for most of his 75 years, his family said.Wallen taught in Brevard County for 37 years and served on the Cocoa City Council for two terms, including as vice mayor.
The veteran teacher taught English and economics but also worked with students with disabilities, according to his wife, and with adult education students helping them earn their diplomas.“He was definitely an asset to this community and was loved by many people,” Luci Wallen said.The couple shared a love of travel, visiting every continent around the world, even Antarctica.