Jack Allyn, age 85, died January 29, 2018 with his beloved wife Tammy at his side.

Jack was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and was established in the corporate insurance business when he hired Tammy in 1961 as his assistant. They married in 1962 and began a lifelong partnership that lasted over 55 years.

They started scuba diving together in 1966 after a vacation to Grand Cayman, diving every quarry and lake within 400 miles seeking adventure and shipwrecks to explore. Every year they spent their vacation diving in warm Caribbean waters and started photographing God’s world underwater in 1967.

The couple moved to Houston in 1971 where Jack continued his career as an insurance broker/agent with clients in entertainment, sports, politics, energy and many other areas. Clients enjoyed Jack’s sense of humor and innovative methods and many became friends outside of the working arena. Even after retirement people came to Jack to assist in their evaluation and game plan.

Jack and Tammy’s diving travels took them to the South Pacific, East Africa, Central America, various Caribbean islands and the Leeward Antilles. Jack was very active with the Houston Underwater Club; he served as a volunteer for decades putting on the annual SEASPACE underwater show. He also was a leader in the Houston Underwater Photographic Society, where he served as officer and board member for many years. He helped mentor other members during the remainder of his life.

The Allyn’s are members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, and Jack spent many years volunteering for the Gathering where day care was given to Alzheimers patients. He also took underwater slide shows to Gatherings at many other area churches to bring beauty and joy to patients for the day. In his off time, he provided transportation for people more elderly than he was, for doctor appointments, lab appointments and errands.

Jack is survived by his wife Tammy, daughter Janet, son-in-law Don, granddaughter Kristen, sister-in-law Shirley, nephews Alan and James, sisters Lil and Lori, dogs Emma and Zoey, favorite cat PepperAnn (and other cats who know who they are) and many, many friends. We will all miss you, Jack, so much.

Jack’s family in the diving world is large and loving and so appreciated; the church family has been a true blessing. Thank you, Jennifer Mark, for your loving care and smile that he loved. Jack’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jack’s memory to the Houston Humane Society, P.O. Box 450528, Houston, TX 77245-0528 or to your favorite pet charity.