James McCallister Obituary

I miss you dear friend Jim and it is hard to believe you are not amongst us!l
But I know you are having fun up in the heaven!

It is very hard to believe that it has been a year since we lost Jim! I had known Jim through culinary competitions years ago. He was the. Most kind hearted gentle giving professional whom had a passion for sharing his knowledge amongst young culinarians. Jim was a Class act and I always looked forward to talking to him. Jim was a true friend whom had his way of connecting with people. He was well respected amongst his colleagues and friends.
I do miss you brother and I know you are in heaven smiling!God bless your soul and your family! Rest In Peace!
Until we meet again......

I worked with Jim many years ago in the 1970´s at the Greenfield Street Restaurant in Buffalo NY. He was a gentle thoughtful young man who was just beginning his career in cooking back then. It was a collectively run Natural Foods restaurant where we all wore bandanas for head coverings and tried to change the world through a better approach to eating and dining. I lost touch with Jim after he left and am so sorry to hear of his passing.

There is joy though in reading of the very full life he lived and of a world that honored him. Much love to his family.

In loving memory of Jim McCallister
Patty and Alex Darvishi

With sincere sympathy to you and your family, may your fond memories of Jim ease your pain.
Love,
Ann and Chris

In terms of character, temperament, kindness, humility and generosity, he was one of the best men I've ever known. We were friends for 45 years. To Trish, Jenny, Lauren, Emily...I hope that his memory and basic goodness comforts you in the months and years ahead.

My heart hurt on Christmas Eve, when I learned of Jim´s passing. I wished I had been a better friend to Jim, and all of your family, as you lovingly cared for him throughout his illness. His kind and loving demeanor, and his ever present smile will never be forgotten. The funeral service offered in his memory touched my heart deeply as Lauren, Jenny, and Emily spoke so lovingly about their dad. Our tears flowed as we remembered the man who was the heart of your family. We send you our deepest condolences, and pray that your memories will sustain you all as you grieve his loss, knowing that he is free from pain and will Rest In Peace, shining his love down on all of his beloved family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim and Trish were the first folks I met before I purchased my home. They were so gracious and helpful in answering my questions and putting me at ease that I didn't think twice before I made an offer and I'm so glad I did. I knew Jim to be a kind and gentle soul who always had a warm smile on his face and a positive comment. He was a humble guy who was always willing to lend a hand and share his vast knowledge of cooking, grilling and meat smoking with his neighbors. Jim always brought awesome dishes to neighborhood events and was a champion competitor at corn hole and dominoes. He loved being on the water and even caught a big fish now and then. Jim's sweet devotion to Trish and his family was heartwarming and it was a joy to watch him playing with his grandkids at the pool.

Our neighborhood is a better place because Jim McAllister lived among us and I am blessed that I had the opportunity to know him.

We spent many days behind the stove together, travelled the world, and from day one you were kind hearted, professional, and wonderful to be with. Our last meal was at Lewis´ - such a beautiful day and my son got to meet you! In hindsight I now recognize how blessed that day was! You are missed - May God rest your soul and bring healing to your loving family.

Jim I have missed you so much already! My Birthday will never be the same without hearing your voice early in the morning be the first to always wish me a happy birthday. My gosh so many laughs over the years will be what I cherish. I love you like a brother my friend. I plan to come to the service to hug your wife and daughters!

It was such a pleasure to be in his presence. I was introduced to him by a fellow respected chef and I enjoyed every minute we hung out at the SC Prostart Competition. I was looking forward to seeing him again this year. Much love out to the family. Rest Easy OG.

Jim was the ultimate role model. I never saw him without a smile on his face or twinkle in his eye. Sending love and light to all.

I was Engineering Services Manager at RMC for 34 years. I had the privilege of working with James many times in preparation for upcoming functions at the Guest House. I NEVER saw James when he wasn´t calm an professional. Great individual. My deepest sympathy to his family. God Bless.

Dear Trish, Lauren, Jenny and Emily,
We are so sad to think of this great loss you are experiencing.
Don and I have such sweet memories of your living across the street in Spartanburg. We think of your creations, Trish, of the girls playing dress up and of Jim's smile. He was always so dear and congenial, just such a special person. And, oh, those coconut cream pies. They were works of absolute perfection. He was so gifted, yet so humble about his accomplishments.
Our condolences, love and prayers to each of you.
Don and Peggy Nickson

I knew Jim from Milliken. He was always so pleasant. Didn't matter how busy he was or what was going on, he still kept that smile. Praying for the family.

My deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire family on passing of my beloved friend and colleague of over thirty plus years. I am very saddened and shocked and full of emotions. Jim touched many hearts by his wonderful and caring nature and made his mark on this world. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Jim throughout the many years and had wonderful memories of him. Jim was a gentle soul , an awesome chef , an excellent coach and the ultimate professional whom led by example. Jim was loved and respected by all whom were lucky to cross paths with him.
He will certainly be missed and remembered fondly.
With love and respect
Alex Darvishi

Trish and family, I'm so sorry to hear Jim went to be with his Lord recently. Jim and I were close in high school in Pennsylvania and early college. I'd say we were best friends for a few years and shared a strong Christian faith and love for ministry. We took my VW bug and headed north for a week after working in factories all summer, ending up at Algonquin Provincial Park camping & hiking. We worked together in a junior high ministry. He was always full of passion and love. We both took Social Lab in our Sr High School year working half day in the community along with a non-traditional class. So many great memories! He joined me on a trip to OC NJ and I recall my grandmother being so impressed with his faith and maturity. I never saw him after he moved south but we caught up and became friends on FB. I love reading the comments here from friends and loved ones. Prayers for you and the family. I became a Presbyterian Pastor serving weekly meals of gospel messages while he served delicious meals to dignitaries and taught his art to many people. We shall meet again. God bless you all as you mourn your loss and give thanks for a great man.

Trish, Bruce & I are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have such good memories of Jim & your family when Lauren & Mary Liz made their debuts at the Magnolia Debutante Ball. He was so much fun to be around & his easy going manner put everyone at ease. I know he will be missed, & you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. We are also living in Charleston now.

Jim was the consummate professional, and projected an unspoken standard of excellence with his demeanor. I felt his friendship from the first time I met him, and I feel the loss of his passing.
Cath´s and my prayers go out to your family and the close friends of the family, as I´m sure he had many.
Respectfully,
Chef Joe Decker

Dear Trish, Lauren; Jenny and Emily,
I was so saddened to read of Jim's death in the Spartanburg paper this morning.
Bob and I are thinking of you and send our love and sympathy to you all.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Wynn

What a marvel of a man. We´ll miss Jim - a wonderful friend and neighbor.

When I saw Jim's name in the paper, I hoped it was not my old friend from MUSC Adolescent Unit. Today, it was confirmed. I have wonderful memories of Jim from our work together. He and Trish met at work, fell in love, married and had their 1st child. I was unaware they moved back to this area.
My thoughts are with Trish and the family as they go through this very hard time.

Pam French

So sad to hear of Jim's passing. So glad his suffering is over.
Chef was a great competitor, judge and good person to know. We really got to know each other better when we competed on opposing teams in the Orlando Show many years ago.
May you find peace. Strength and be encouraged during this transition.
God Bless Jim and his family.