James Viet Allais

Jim passed away peacefully on May 6, surrounded by family and embraced by love and gratitude for a life well lived. He was 88 years old.

Jim was born on December 30, 1937, to Ceasar and Julia Allais. He grew up in North Portland alongside his sister, Anna Rose, and brother, Walt. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Vance stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in January 1963.

On April 8, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Susan. Together they shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and family until her passing in 2021. Their family quickly grew as they welcomed four children in just five years, filling their home with laughter, activity, and love.

In 1972, they moved their family to Vancouver, Washington, where they lived for the next 17 years. Once their children were grown, Jim and Susan settled in Ridgefield, Washington, where Jim spent the remainder of his life in the home he loved. He took great pride in his yard and spent countless hours caring for it.

Following his service in the Navy, Jim spent 16 years working for Atlas Iron/Canron Steel Manufacturing, where he served as plant supervisor. He later joined Portland Bolt as operations manager, where he worked for 12 years until retiring in 2000. Jim was deeply respected for his fairness, integrity, and the genuine care and support he showed those he supervised.

Jim carried a strong work ethic throughout his life, and it became one of his greatest legacies. By example, he passed those values on to his children and grandchildren, teaching them the importance of hard work, honesty, and treating others with respect.

In their spare time, Jim and Susan were deeply involved with Canine Companions, raising and training puppies to become service dogs for individuals with significant medical needs. It brought them tremendous joy to watch the dogs they raised graduate and be placed with people whose lives would be changed by their companionship and support. Not all of the puppies completed the program, however, which meant Jim and Susan were fortunate enough to keep two beloved Labradors, Julia and Hanai, who became cherished members of the family.

Jim also dedicated more than 25 years to volunteering with Meals on Wheels. His service extended far beyond delivering meals - he also delivered kindness, conversation, and compassion to those who were homebound. He generously supported charities dedicated to helping children, honoring the military, and assisting first responders.

Jim loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in Battle Ground, Washington. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, shaping the values he lived by and the love he shared with his family, friends, and community.

Jim is survived by his four children: Michelle Galvin (Mike), Denise Crockford (Kyle), Brian Allais (Kim), and Todd Allais (Lisa); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his brother, Walter Allais (Vicky). He is also survived by many beloved relatives and lifelong friends.

A funeral Mass & burial will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:00 am located at:

St. Mary of Guadalupe Mission Church

1520 N. 65th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642.

A reception to follow in church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

* St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - www.stjude.org

* Wounded  Warriors  Project -  www.woundedwarriorproject.org

* Tunnel to Towers Foundation - www.t2t.org

* Canine Companions - www.canine.org

* Meals on Wheels - www.mealsonwheels.org