Page 5 - June 2022 - Truth & Tidings

salvation of many souls. He was equally – Daniel Reconsidered. He later produced
at home in a small rural assembly as in a a second commentary on Revelation –
large annual Bible Reading or conference. Revelation Revisited. He also published a
Jim was known for his modesty and un- number of smaller papers and articles in
assuming nature, which belied a scholar’s magazines.
mind and student’s pen. His contributions In recent years Jim became increasingly
in Bible Readings were always considered restricted due to Parkinson’s disease and
and articulate as he discussed the intricate
details of a passage with his knowledge felt keenly the increasing weakness that
of the underlying text. Even though studi- prevented him from platform preaching.
ous, his preaching was far from tedious For a while he was able to preach while
and heavy; he had a ready mind and fac- sitting, but eventually that, too, became
ulty in expression that made his preaching impossible. When his physical limitations
easy listening. became a greater hindrance to his move-
Jim knew what grief was, from the loss ment, he and Hilary moved to the Glen-
of a child at birth in 1957 in Malaysia, to gormley assembly in 2018, where access
the loss of his beloved wife Betty, who to the hall was easier. His help there was
passed away after a short illness in 1996. greatly appreciated.
In 2005, Jim felt keenly the loss of a grand- On December 3, 2021, after a private
daughter who was less than a year old. He funeral service in the Glengormley Gospel
experienced the loss of his two brothers, Hall due to Covid-19 restrictions, Jim’s
but was specially affected by the loss of his
youngest son Stephen in 2011 at only 41 remains were laid to rest. Ivan Gordon
years of age. He then lost his son-in-law paid a tribute on behalf of the assembly;
David Caulfield in 2019. Jim’s son Drew paid a family tribute, and
In 2006, Jim was married to Hilary and Walter Boyd brought a message of comfort
continued to preach and teach, including from the Scriptures. His body was interred
some further trips abroad. Hilary’s sup- in Carrickfergus, where sons Drew and
port and care for Jim as his health failed Graeme read the Scriptures and prayed.
would prove invaluable. Jim Allen will be remembered not only
Jim’s contributions to the commentary as a Christian gentleman but also as a gen-
series What the Bible Teaches by John Ritchie tle man. The dark valleys of grief through
Ltd. are among the best helps available on which he had travelled produced a min-
First Timothy and the book of Revelation. istry of compassion and care for saints in
In August 2012, Jim met with a number trial. His ability as a preacher of the gospel
of brethren to discuss the possibility of and teacher of the Word of God, coupled
publishing a commentary on the prophecy with his quiet and humble demeanour,
of Daniel, and as a result, Scripture Teach-
ing Library was formed. He played an have combined to create special memories
active part in the committee of Scripture for those who knew him. In every way he
Teaching Library, and saw his exercise for fulfilled the requirements of 2 Timothy
a commentary on Daniel fulfilled in what 2:15 as “a workman that needeth not to
has been recognised as one of the best be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
commentaries available on that prophecy truth” (KJV).

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