James "Jim" D. Allen, age 82, of Chapin, died Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his home, with his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy H. Allen and his caregiver, Mary Martin at his side. Born August 18, 1941 in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late James R. and Mary Carroll Allen.

Jim was a graduate of Syracuse University, where he received a Batchelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He was also a member of Mensa International. He would spend his career as a Fire Protection Engineer, ensuring the safety of workers and the general public in facilities all over the world. He held a Professional Engineer (PE) designation in 8 states and was active with the SFPE of which he was a past-President of the Philadelphia chapter. Jim took part in drafting the first ever exam for fire protection engineering.

Before moving to South Carolina, he worked for Kemper Insurance and officed out of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. After moving in 1999, he began work for the South Carolina Budget and Control Board, State Department of Engineering, from which he retired in 2005. He was very proud of his work on the Colonial Life Arena.

He and Nancy met on a blind date, and now 44 years later, the rest, as they say, is history. Together, they traveled the world and had many great adventures together. They especially loved cruising, and over some 26 cruises, they met others who would become longtime friends.

Jim loved life and embraced it to the fullest. He loved the water, and became an expert sailor on Lake Murray. Of course, keeping his sailboat at Timberlake Marina also meant he would have many people to visit with. At age 50, Jim earned his private pilot license and would become very active in the Civil Air Patrol in both New Jersey and South Carolina, finishing his time there as a Captain. He was also a man of committed faith and a longtime member at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

In 2015, Jim experienced a stroke. Clear on his desire not to have life-saving measures, he fought to live through 19 days in the hospital and 97 days in rehabilitation, all the while with Nancy faithfully guiding and encouraging his care and recovery. He would ultimately recover to the point of being able to take a family cruise in 2019 that became a highlight and very special memory.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John Allen (Angela) of Medford, MA; a daughter, Jeanne Gearing of Concord, NH; a sister, Nancy Johnson of Fort Worth, TX; a sister-in-law, Janet Rakoskie (Ed) of Elysburg, PA; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren, with one more due in April; multiple nieces and nephews; and his beloved kitties – Shadow, the "Monster Boy", Harmony, Sammy, and Bailey.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Chapin, SC on Thursday, November 30, 2023, 2:00 PM by Rev. Dennis B. Willey. The Mass will be livestreamed. The family will receive friends at a repast, following the Mass. Jim's remains will be inurned in the church cemetery at a later date.

Jim's family wishes to express special thanks to his caregivers, Mary Martin who was with him for 8 years, Lisa Davis, Kayla, and Sylvia Williams, and Jennifer, Michael and Carrie with Amedisys Hospice for the help and compassion they all have shown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family here on his Tribute Wall.

Whitaker Funeral home is honored to serve the Allen family.