James P. McAllister, 71
Orrville — James P. McAllister, age 71, of Orrville, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Village in Rittman after a period of declining health.
Jim was born on May 29, 1954, in Lorain, Ohio, to the late Kenneth J. and Jane C. (Smithhisler) McAllister. He graduated from Elyria Catholic High School in 1972, earned his masters degree in horticulture from The Ohio State University, and later received his MBA from Kent State University.
Jim dedicated 33 years of service to The J.M. Smucker Company, working his way from a quality control technician to Vice President of Product Development. His career took his family from Ohio to Pennsylvania and even some time in Australia where they formed cherished life long friendships.
Jim was a man of faith and was an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also dedicated to his community and was a member of the Orrville Chamber of Commerce, Orrville United Way, Goodwill Industries, and the Wayne County Children’s Services Board. He found great joy in woodworking-especially building furniture for family and many things for his grandchildren to enjoy. He loved attending sporting events and activities of his kids and grandchildren, traveling and exploring new places, planning gatherings, and bringing happiness to those around him.
Perhaps Jim’s greatest accomplishment was his family. After Rita Dowdell asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance in high school, they remained dedicated to each other and enjoyed 49 years of marriage. They had three sons, Ryan (Karrie), Kevin (Kiley), and Patrick (Jenny). Jim was extremely proud of his grandchildren Ellen, Toby, Annie, Colin, Claire, Will, Quinn, Kieran, and Aiden McAllister.
Along with his loving wife Rita, sons Ryan (Karrie) and Patrick (Jenny), and grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters Diane (Frank) Carnivale, Kay McAllister, and Mary Ann (Les) Chapman, sister-in-laws Mary Ann and Nancy Dowdell, brother-in-laws Joseph and Dick (Cathy) Dowdell, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Kevin Joseph McAllister, and his grandson, Rory Michael McAllister.
Friends may call on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 541 Spring Street, Orrville, with Father Ronald J. Turek officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Agnes Catholic St. Vincent de Paul Society, at 541 Spring Street, Orrville, OH 44667; or to the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, 820 N. Ella Street, Orrville, OH 44667, at oabgc.org.
Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhomes.com
