James L. Allen passed peacefully on March 5, 2023, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by his family, love, memories, and laughter until the end. His heart may have failed physically but those who knew him know how strong his heart was in reality. When he rolled into heaven Sunday, March 5, we suspect James Louis Allen took in his surroundings and commented, “Not half bad!” his traditional, hilarious way of heaping praise on a meal well-prepared or other outstanding accomplishments.
A much-beloved husband, father, PopPop, friend, and engineer born December 18, 1935, Jim was athletic and fit long before fitness was cool, crisscrossing the U.S. playing Senior Olympic volleyball well into his 80s and a regular participant in the football, basketball, whiffle ball and street hockey games his six kids and neighbors usually had going. Jim loved many things: Lillian, his wife of 65 years; taking the family on outdoor vacations; being on the water; Republicans; teasing most anyone who came into view; serving on the local school board; golden retrievers; cracking jokes (mostly appropriate ones); short masses; and doing crossword puzzles.
What he loved most, though, was Lil and their kids. He always found a way to be at the kids’ games and other events, even once when some of those games were played overseas. And he never failed to look out for Lil, whisking her away on weekend trips when he could talk someone into staying with the children. A humble guy, Jim didn’t really let on to people how brilliant he was. He had a long career with DuPont, after earning a PhD in chemical engineering with a dissertation none of his children could read. But, he never wanted to be called “Dr.” Allen. “Jim” was always fine. Actually, he was way more than fine.
Jim is survived by wife Lil; sons Jim (Katherine) and Tom (Cathy); daughters Pat (Joe), Kathy, Lynda (Bill), and Vicki (Bob); hundreds of friends; and, at last count, 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren—all of whom looked up to him.
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