Obituary of James Michael McAllister

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved James Michael McAllister on January 30, 2023. He was adored and loved by many. He was born on November 21, 1968 at lunchtime in Seaton Hospital Daly City, CA to Doreen and Richard McAllister. He was brought home to his older brother, Rich, and sister, Christine.

As a child he was very athletic, playing Pee Wee baseball as well as Little League baseball as a catcher. He continued his love of sports by playing soccer and football throughout middle school. He wrestled and played football in high school.

His love for working on cars started in his youth by helping his dad and auto shop in high school. Upon graduation he went to automotive school in Phoenix, AZ. He returned to the Bay Area to start his own auto shop business. Jim’s Auto was located in San Mateo which he owned for 1 ½ years.

The rising costs of operating a business and living costs led Jim to look for a new life in Arizona. Being that one of his close friends was moving to Tucson, AZ, he chose to give Tucson a try. Jim worked at Precision Toyota for 16 years and Dan’s Toy Shop for 3 years. When hanging with friends, he met his future wife while playing cards on a Friday (or Saturday) night. Though the meeting started with friendship, it wasn’t long before Amy and Jim were dating. Along with Amy came her son, Dakota Erickson, who Jim took as his own. He married Amy Erickson on February 2, 2002.

They lived in Vail, AZ for eight years. In Vail they grew the family first with Hayden James, and two years later they had twins, Myles Patrick and Mya Elise. Missing being in town Amy asked Jim to move back to Tucson, which he gladly did for her. Jim was all about family.

He was involved in his sons’ sports, theatre, band, and daughter’s dance activities. Whether he was dancing with his daughter or managing a soccer club team, he was his children’s biggest cheerleader.

In 2018, James made a career change. He decided he wanted to make a difference in other’s lives. He thought he could do that being an automotive teacher in TUSD’s CTE program. He taught at Cholla High School for 4 ½ years and loved every minute of it.

He leaves behind a loving wife Amy McAllister, sons Dakota (Megan Fisher) Erickson, Hayden McAllister, Myles McAllister, and his daughter Mya McAllister. He also leaves behind his parents Richard and Doreen McAllister, his sister Christine McAllister and niece Leilani McAllister. He leaves many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Rich McAllister and Grandparents Anthony and Bridget Stagnaro.

The memorial will be at Desert Sunset Funeral Home, which will be attended by close family and friends. Friday 10, 2023 at 1pm. Others can attend via video streaming, provided by the funeral home. There will be a celebration of life for anyone that was touched by Jim in his life, at John F Kennedy Park Ramada 33. Sunday February 12, 2023 11am-6pm.

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