James (Jim) Winslow Alling

James (Jim) Winslow Alling passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded in his last days by his immediate family. Born in Evanston, IL to his parents William and Ruth Alling who proceeded him in death along with his brother-in-law George Lambert, husband of Jim’s sister, Mary Lambert. Jim spent his youth in Evanston, IL before choosing to attend Indiana University. A school choice that led to Jim’s discovery of two of his greatest loves. The first being a fanatical love for his Hoosiers. The second, and by far more important love, entered Jim’s life on a blind date with Susan Armstrong. The two sophomores met for the first time at The Gables for a “coke date” and they were inseparable ever since, having celebrated their 67th anniversary this past June. Jim and Sue spent most of their early married years in the Chicago area where Jim worked at Baxter Laboratories while also pursuing a law degree at Chicago Kent School of Law. After passing the Bar, Jim was hired by the law firm of Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson, Sly in Decatur, IL. Jim and Sue packed up their belongings and their 3 young children and moved to what became their home for the next 40 years. Jim became a partner at his firm and was a highly respected general practice lawyer throughout his career. He was also well known in the community for his involvement in philanthropic causes. While Jim and Sue loved their time in Decatur and built lifelong friendships there, they were ultimately drawn back to the place where they first fell in love…Bloomington, IN. Shortly after Jim’s retirement, they moved to Bloomington, bought season tickets to all IU football and basketball games, and made a new group of dear friends. Jim continued to find fulfillment in volunteering in the Bloomington community. A huge history buﬀ and lover of national parks, Jim and Sue volunteered 6 summers at Fort Clatsop, Lewis and Clark’s winter camp in Astoria, Oregon. Jim and Sue traveled the world. Their favorite destinations were New Zealand’s Milford Track and The Camino de Santiago in Spain. Jim was an avid runner, having qualified for and completed the Boston marathon. He continued to enjoy hikes and long walks on his favorite trail until his final days. Jim was a friend to many who knew him as a kind, gracious man with a quick sense of humor and a strong faith in God. In his final years, as he faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s, Jim inspired one and all with the positive and gracious manner with which he continued to embrace every single day. He will be missed and forever loved especially by his surviving family including his wife Sue, his children Cathy (Mike Brown), Jim (Annette Alling), John (Lynn Alling), his 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Catholic Center in Bloomington, IN. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass at 10:30, with a reception immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Special Olympics in remembrance of James Winslow Alling. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with the services and online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with friends and families ask www.allencaers.com

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James (Jim) Winslow Alling

November 8, 2025