Rev. Jim Allen had nothing but Positivity to spread

Now that thanksgiving has come and gone, it is time to start getting into the holiday spirit. To spread a little Christmas cheer, this week’s story will be in remembrance of a great man, Reverend Jim Allen and the positive message he spread through the community.

Rev. Jim Allen’s deep love of God and positive attitude was infectious to all those who met him, and if you didn’t catch enough of his positivity, he carried around cards with a certain message that he wanted everyone to hear.

“Arrange your life to include a positive mental attitude. Have a good word to say. It will brighten each day. Speak your daily word to respond to, ‘How are you?’ ”

Everyone that might need a little cheer in their day he gave them the card. He was known for saying “You can’t afford the luxury of a negative thought,” and that is how he lived his life, with positivity and love.

On the first Sunday of each month, Rev. Jim Allen conducted an informal service at the former Jefferson Square Mall in Joliet at noon for people who are struggling with guilt, shame, and depression.

The Reverend also served on:

• Board of Joliet/Will County Project Pride

• The Salvation Army

• The Greater Joliet Area YMCA

• Catholic Charities

• The American Red Cross

• The Senior Services Center of Will County

• Community Services Council

• Joliet Ecumenical Clergy Association

Jim was 84 when he passed earlier this year, and at his wake his wife Nancy handed everyone in attendance the special cards Jim would hand out. On his tombstone it reads, “He loved life and he lived love.”