MADISON - James R. “Jim” Alling, age 87, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Sun Prairie Senior Living. He was born on February 9, 1938, in Madison to Albert and Dorothy Alling.

James married Sandra Scheel on December 14, 2019, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Monona. He was a member of St. Stephen’s and served as an usher for many years.

After graduating from Oregon High School, Jim served in the U.S. Navy for a total of eight years, both active and inactive duty. The two years of active duty were spent on the Naval ship USS Meredith, involved in the Suez Canal Crisis. He married Diane Goold on January 3, 1959, in Oregon. Before retiring he was last employed at the Kerr-McGee Corporation in McFarland for 25 years.

Jim enjoyed watching sports and spent many hours on the water fishing the Madison lakes, as well as enjoying deer hunting every year. He was also an avid bowler for many years both before and after his retirement.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Alling of Madison; his children, David (Kim) Alling of Belleville, Dan (Karen Milici) Alling of Madison, Lori Alling of Seattle and Vicki Alling of Madison. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Yaun of Oregon, and Sharon Brown (John Annen) of Monona; brother, Dale (Urlene) Alling of Virginia; sisters-in-law, Sally (Larry) Soltis of Mount Horeb and Denise Miller of Madison; and brothers-in-law, Steve (Elizabeth) Goold of Missouri and Jeff Miller of Cottage Grove. He is also survived by five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Diane Alling; and brothers-in-law, Casper Yaun and Dick Goold.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with Pastor Elisa Brandt presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Thank you to the caring staff at Sun Prairie Senior Living and the compassionate caregivers at Agrace Hospice. Also, thanks to the paramedics and firefighters from Station #10 for all the times they helped Jim. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James Richard Alling

February 09, 1938 - October 17, 2025

Share photos of James