Jacque Fredrick McAllister

Jacque Fredrick McAllister, 88, died Thursday, October 16 following an extended illness. He was born December 4, 1936 in Allentown, PA to James and Helen (Kotch) McAllister though raised mostly in Hialeah, FL. In the late 1950’s, Jacque – who loved planes - served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. A man who from a young age could build just about anything, Jacque completed a 4-year program in the construction industry advancement program of the University of Miami. He began a construction career in the development of hotels and commercial buildings in the thriving region of south Florida. Jacque and Mary moved to Durham in 1977 where he came to work in building apartment complexes. Upon procuring his NC general contractor’s license, Jacque owned and operated his own construction company and continued successfully in various building projects. Ultimately, Jacque specialized in church construction.

Jacque McAllister was a man of his word – diligent and deliberate in his business and personal relationships as a keen listener who was never rushed. He was the epitome of kindness and will be remembered for his radiant smile, patience and quick wit. Jacque was a trustworthy advisor and source of great wisdom to family and friends alike. A lifelong fisherman, Jacque loved the water and with the helping hands of Mary, even built his own boat!

A faithful parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Jacque proudly led the construction of St. Matthew’s church in the early 90’s. He was a devoted Miami Dolphins and Duke fan.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mary Odenwalder McAllister; his children, Michele (David) Crouse of Austin, TX, Jacque (Penelope) McAllister, Jr. of Wilmington, James McAllister of Hillsborough, and Mary Ann (Blaine) Dennis of Little River, SC; his grandchildren, Ethan and Jack Crouse, Taylor Reinken, Rachel Smith and T.J. Dennis; 4 great grandchildren; and James Oldenwalder, officially his brother-in-law but more like a brother. Jacque was predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Erin McAllister in 1997.

A concelebrated Mass of Christian burial will be offered 11:00 AM Saturday, October 25 from St. Matthew Catholic Church, with The Rev’d John Curran, LC presiding. Burial will follow in St. Matthew Catholic Cemetery, with a reception following in the parish hall. There will be a visitation and recitation of the rosary at 10:00 AM Saturday in the church.

Donations in Jacque’s memory may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church.