Jim Wallace dead aged 71 as ex-Deputy First Minister dies suddenlyThe politician's "sudden" death has left his family "shocked," particularly as he was still busy in many areas of his life. Former Scottish Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace has died aged 71. Lord Wallace, who served as Holyrood’s first ever deputy first minister, passed away after suffering complications during surgery, his family confirmed today. ‌The Annan-born politician's "sudden" death has left his family "shocked," particularly as he was still busy and active in many areas of his life, they said. ‌View 2 Images Scotland's first-ever deputy first minister has died as a result of complications after surgery, his family has said.