Mr. James Allen

James Judson “Jimmy” Allen was born in Tallahassee, Florida on August 3, 1933 to Carl Rogers Allen and Charlotte Cody [Harris] Allen. He passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at the age of 90. He attended Sealey Memorial Elementary School and graduated from Leon High School in 1951. Jimmy began his working years as a child where, from 1941-1945/46, he worked along with his entire family at a small dairy started by his father, as WWII efforts shut down manufacturing and sources of parts for his father’s commercial refrigeration business. He and his brother worked at the dairy seven days a week while also attending school. After the War, when his father’s business could once again thrive, Jimmy worked summers and weekends as a teenager learning that business as well as the trade of home building. Once again, his father was his teacher as Carl was always helping someone build a house. Upon graduating high school in 1951, Jimmy went to work full-time with his father. On August 15, 1952, he married Betty Lee Brown at Fellowship Baptist Church, beginning their lifetime together. Jimmy was drafted into the U.S. Army as a radio operator in 1953 and spent time at Fort Jackson, Fort Gordon, Fort Sill, and in Puerto Rico. After his discharge from the Army in 1955, he moved back to Tallahassee where he resumed work with his father until 1958 when he began his own business as a home designer/builder, constructing many homes in the Tallahassee area. In addition he was hired by the State Department of Agriculture to be Superintendent of the Farmers Market Project. He also spent several years in the heating and air conditioning business. Jimmy and Betty were active members of Fellowship Baptist Church for many years. Jimmy enjoyed sports, playing cards, and trading commodities. Coaching baseball was his passion and he spent several years coaching his sons, grandsons, and many other Tallahassee youths at Levy Park where he also dedicated his time and talents to upgrade the facility by personally building a concession stand/announcers box for the park. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Cody Allen; his older siblings, Karl Rogers Allen, Jr. and Charlotte Allen Williams; his son, Jud Allen; and his grandson, Austin Allen. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Brown Allen; son, James Allen and wife Sharon of Tallahassee; daughter, Carla Allen Campbell of Tallahassee; son, Danny Allen and wife Cathy of Monticello; daughter, Suzan Allen Blackburn of Tallahassee; 12 grandchildren; Nikki, Jimmy, Crystal, Justin, Jonathan, Carl, Travis, Stephanie, Amanda, Megan, Michael, and Cody; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ivah Allen Kukler and husband Max, and Della Allen Wallace and husband Stephen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jimmy’s good nature and sharp wit will be missed by many. His natural generosity of spirit will be forever a part of our memories. Jimmy’s family will welcome all friends for a memorial service on Saturday, January 13th at 2:00 pm at Abbey Funeral Home, 4037 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Mr. James Allen

August 3, 1933 - January 8, 2024