Rev. James Edward Allen Jim Allen, age 84, of Joliet passed away Sept. 13, 2016 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home after a multi-year struggle with dementia. Former pastor of Joliet''s Ottawa St. United Methodist Church, Jim will be remembered as an active, enthusiastic community leader having served and led many religious, social service, and community organizations during his 36 years in Joliet. Survived by Nancy his loving wife of 57 years, children Beth Ann (Mark) Thelo of Channahon and Paul (Megan) Allen of Ithaca NY, and grandchildren Bennett and Grace Thelo. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Marguerite Allen. Born Nov. 30, 1931 in Canton IL, Jim graduated from Indiana Central College and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. During his 41 years with the United Methodist Church, he served congregations in Good Hope, Ransom, Plainfield, Shannon, Sycamore, Savanna, and Joliet. In 1985, Jim conceived of and founded Joliet/Will County Project Pride (now Project Acclaim) with other community leaders to promote the positive elements of life in the Joliet area. Jim lived the teachings of Norman Vincent Peales'' Power of Positive Thinking and many will remember the brightly colored cards that he handed out encouraging a positive mental attitude. Many have attended classes, workshops, or support groups led by him over the years. Jim listened to, counseled, and encouraged all God''s people, but especially those with greatest need-the downcast, disabled, aged, and grieving. Jim sought global perspective and relationships through pastoral exchanges to England and Australia in addition to service and educational trips to Chile, South Africa, and the Holy Land. Jim served on the boards and in the leadership of many community organizations including Joliet/Will County Project Pride, Salvation Army, YMCA, Catholic Charities, American Red Cross, Senior Services Center, Rotary, Community Services Council, and Joliet Ecumenical Clergy Association. He was Chaplain for Joliet Area Community Hospice, Center for Correctional Concerns at Will County Adult Detention Facility, and Silver Cross Hospital. The Joliet community recognized Jim''s contributions in many ways, including Joliet Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, Joliet Catholic Diocese Pax Joliet Award, Senior Services Center Shining Star Award, Joliet/Will County Project Pride Hall of Pride inductee, Community Services Council Human Services Award, Daybreak Volunteer of the Year, and Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities Mary Linden Award. Visitation will be at Channahon United Methodist Church, 24751 W. Eames, Channahon, IL on Sunday Sept. 18, 2pm to 6pm and Monday Sept. 19, 10am to 11am. A celebration of Jim''s life will be held 11am Monday Sept. 19 at Channahon United Methodist Church with interment at Elmhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be directed to Joliet Area Community Hospice or Joliet Area Historical Museum.