James 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 bu 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