John James was born in Chesley on March 27, 1952, to parents Neil and Irene (Keith) McAllister. John joined older siblings Don (1947) and Carol Ann (1949) on the McAllister homestead. In time, the McAllister family continued to grow with the arrivals of Linda (1957), Sandy (1960), and Gayle (1963). The McAllister family mixed farmed on the 2nd of Elderslie, and the kids attended S.S. # 12 down the road. John went on to attend high school in Chesley, followed by the University of Guelph, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a focus on animal and poultry science.
During university, John spent his summers working on a farm on the outskirts of Rockwood. Here, John helped the Harwood family and was introduced to their granddaughter, Holly Anne Harwood. John and Holly were wed at Westminster St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Guelph on August 26, 1978. They first rented an apartment on Speedvale Ave, while John finished his schooling in addition to working part-time at a local Co-op. After graduation, John took on a full-time position at the Co-op and remained there until moving in 1986.
The McAllister family grew with the arrivals of Scott (1980), Mark (1983), and Heather (1984). They relocated to Clifford where John began working at Horizon Chicks in Hanover. This was followed by time spent at Agro-Trend in Clifford, and then Campbell Soups. It was during this time that John became further involved within his community. He was an elder at Knox Calvin Presbyterian Church, a member of the church choir, and was an active member of both the Clifford Curling Club and Rec Club and was proud to be a founding member of the Clifford Optimist Club. Although quiet and reserved, John thrived in these volunteer and social settings and his community benefitted from it.
The family moved to Drayton in 2002. In 2004 Holly and John separated and divorced. It was a very difficult time in John’s life, and he was thankful for the support from his family and close friends. John returned to the Chesley area and soon settled back into the community. He continued working at Campbell’s until it’s closure, before finishing his career at Chapman’s Ice Cream, remaining there until he was forced to retire due to health reasons in 2018.
John loved to spend his free time on the farm. Whether he was helping members of the church, or members of his family, if John was on the farm, he was at peace. Another passion of John’s was curling. He was introduced to the sport by his father at a young age and was an advocate for the sport his entire life. He was a founding member and past president of the University of Guelph Curling Club and remained active in the sport as long as he was able. When not playing, John was watching. His favourite time of year began with the Scotties and ended after the Worlds!
John can best be described as independent, honest, stoic, and principled. He always said that “actions speak louder than words” and lived his life that way. Although very much a homebody and introvert, he could carry on a conversation with anyone about almost anything. He had a dry wit, which he displayed often. John enjoyed reading and enjoyed a variety of mystery, fiction, and fantasy. Lord of the Rings was a particular favourite, wearing out a couple of copies over the years. He loved his family dearly, and always looked forward to family events that included his children and more recently his grandchildren.
The last few years have been difficult. In 2020, John spent a period of time in Hanover Hospital, before moving to John Joseph Place in Owen Sound in the fall of 2020. A year later, in the fall of 2021, he became a resident at Brucelea Haven in Walkerton. He was, however, beloved by the nurses and staff, for his sense of humour, his unflappable attitude and his appreciation of 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music. The Beatles were one of his favourites and could often be heard singing along with the music!
In recent weeks, John’s health further declined, and he passed away at Brucelea Haven, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, in his 70th year.
Loving father of Scott (Erin) of Dorchester, Mark of Hamilton, and Heather (Ben) Hazlett of Port Elgin. Cherished grandfather of Wesley, Grant, Bryce, Calvin, and Miles. John will be dearly missed by his siblings, Don, Sandy (Brenda), all of R.R. #3 Chesley, Linda (Bill) Tiffin of Orillia, Gayle (James) Toyne of Sarnia as well as brother-in-law Bernard Cotter of Walkerton. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Ann Cotter, sister-in-law Marion McAllister and his parents Neil and Irene (Keith) McAllister.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. All are welcome! Spring interment in St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Elderslie Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
John was our neighbour when he moved to Chesley. He was such a kind, gentle, and thoughtful man. Our sincere condolences to the McAllister family. .
Dear Scott, Mark & Heather: Sincere condolences for the loss of a dear father, grandfather, and friend. John brought a quiet strength and support to the people he interacted with. We at Knox-Calvin enjoyed our time spent with your family, and certainly remember the joy, energy, and love you brought to our congregation. May the promise made through Jesus, the risen Christ, bring peace to a beautiful family.
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. His love for family time was so evident! He will be missed by all.
Deepest sympathies to Scott, Mark, Heather and McAllister family members.
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I remember him as a gentle, quiet but friendly man. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Holly and family
Although we lost touch over the years, I have many great memories of my time with John,Holly and their young family. My sincere condolences.
Dear McAllister family,
I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. My sincere condolences to you. I have so many great memories of John. I valued his friendship and him being part of our family. John truly was a man of integrity and person that I respected very much. John’s thoughtfulness and caring spirit made a positive impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that there will be many tough days ahead of you. I trust that the love of family and friends brings you comfort.
Warm wishes and prayers,
-Brent
Sincere sympathies to the McAllister family. John always had a smile for everyone. Cherish the memories.
To the McAllister family, we extend our deepest sympathy, John will be missed. Hold close to your memories
So sorry to hear of Johns passing,,,our condolences to Don and the McAllister families,
Our sincere sympathies to the McAllister family. We are sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to the McAllister family
Our sympathy to all in the McAllister family. So sorry for your loss.
Holly, Scott, Mark & Heather,
So sorry to hear about your loss. We wish we could be there in person to support you, but we’re sending our thoughts from Squamish.
– The Harwoods
Sending my condolences.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Scott & Erin, Mark, Heather & Ben, & families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Brian and I have fond memories of your Dad.
Brian and Anne Darroch
Linda – My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bill and the McAllister family on the passing of your brother, John. I wish you comfort and strength in your memories of him. Love, Brenda
My deepest sympathies to the family.
We are so very to hear of the loss of your dad John we sure was a loving and a very kind man. RIP John your in tbe arms of the Lord flying high with the angels.God Bless your family.
Sending our sincere condolences to Sandy, Brenda & Don and the entire McAllister family. Thinking of you at this time.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. Thinking of you all 🙏🏼
My deepest sympathies to Johns family
Scott, Mark, Heather and Families. My sincere condolences to you all.
Thinking of you all at this very trying time
Xo Krystal
Our deepest sympathy Scott, Mark and Heather.So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.We have wonderful memories when we were together with hockey times and visits. Hugs to you all❤️🙏
My deepest sympathy to the McAllister family on John’s passing.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott, Mark, Heather & McAllister Family. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our deepest sympathy. Cherish the memories. John & Pat Crispin
Scott and family. I’m saddened that you lost your father so young in his life. Grateful for the memories he has given you. May he continue to be a blessing through those shared experiences.
My sincere condolences to Scott, Mark, Heather and families.
Our Sincere condolences during this difficult time. Love, The Coelho Family.
Our sincerest sympathies to the McAllister family.
To Don, Sandy & Brenda, Bernard & the entire McAllister family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts.
So sorry for your loss of a dear brother, father, grandfather and friend. John was a warm and sincere man. Our sympathies are with your family at this time.
Our sincere condolences to all the McAllister family; not only did I go to school with John but we were neighbours for a number of years in Chesley.
My sincere condolences to you and your family
Lots of good memories of John, picking him up one day in Hanover when he was hitch hiking home, occasional parties over the years as our paths crossed and talking to him on the street in Chesley. Our condolences to the whole McAllister family.
Our sincere sympathy to John’s family.
My condolences to all of the McAllister family. I’m shocked & saddened to hear of John’s passing.
We became friends in grade seven at Elderslie Central School. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Our deepest sympathy to the McAllister families
Deepest sympathy Sandy, Brenda and family. My thoughts are with you.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your brother, Sandy, Deepest sympathies to you, Brenda and your family.
I am deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing.
To all the McCallister families our sincerest condolences. Treasure the memories.
I am sorry to hear of the loss of John my condolences to the McAllister family
Our condolences to all the family.
Condolences to the entire McAllister family. Sad to lose an old friend and neighbour.
We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our sympathies to the McAllister family.
Our deepest sympathy
So sorry to hear. I had heard stories from him over the years, when we met at different functions. John will be missed by family and friends.