by Joseph H. RADDER
Jim Allis retired from Xerox in 1976 and he and his wife Marie returned to Amherst. He
was involved in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering along with educational instruction in
Value Engineering and Zero Defects.
In 1985 Jim broke his hip and finally ended up at the Village Glen Tennis & Fitness
Club, where along with Tom Haney’s sponsorship, he helped start a group called Dem
Guys (Dedicated Exercise Mavericks).
At about this time Marie was afflicted with a loss of memory and eventually was
admitted to the Alzheimer’s unit at Harris Hill Nursing Home. Jim continues to see
her every day. Since she sleeps a great deal, Jim started to write poems. He is a member
of the International Society of Poets, and has presented readings for the past three years
in Washington, D.C. at their national convention. He has written and published three books
of poetry and gives readings in schools, nursing facilities and retirement homes.
In 1994 Jim became a certified Ombudsman for the Amherst Ombudsman Program and was
assigned to St. Francis Nursing Home where he has given over 1000 hours of volunteer
service. As an Ombudsman Jim investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of
residents in long term care facilities.
Jim is also involved in a volunteer grandparents program and is President of A.A.R.P.
Chapter 3950.
Jim never sits for long and keeps himself active and involved. He recently had knee
surgery, but is now back to his many activities.
Joseph H. Radder is a freelance writer.