James Joseph Allen

CW03 (SS) James Joseph Allen, USN Retired, age 60, died on February 9, 2011, at Harborview Hospital in Seattle. He was known as Jim or Papa to all those who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Cody Allen of Richland, WA; his two daughters, Stephanie Allen-Wendel and husband Clem Wendel of Pasco, WA; and Wendy Patterson and her husband Jeff Patterson of Abilene, TX; and his 5 grandchildren, Joshua and Ashley McCreight, and Rachel, Megan and Andrew Stovall; his mother, Chris Allen of Riverside, CA; his brothers, Dan Schremser, Michael Allen, Randy Allen, and David Allen; and his sister Debbie Allen. He has countless spiritual children and was mentor to many more. He was preceded in death by his father, George K. Allen, and his sister, Laurie Allen-Fulton.

He was born November 29, 1950, in Harvey, Illinois. The family moved to Southern California when he was a teen, where he graduated from Norte Vista High School in 1969 and then joined the Navy.

Jim devotedly served his country in the Navy for 24 years. Most of his time was spent on nuclear submarines. He served in both Vietnam and in Desert Storm. Upon retiring from the Navy, Jim worked on the Hanford site for 16 years. His last 10 years were with CH2M Hill as a Start-up Readiness Review Program Manager. He always loved his job and all the people he worked with.

He was an inspiration to all that knew and loved him. Jim was an active member and elder of The Bridge-Richland church, where he led many groups including Celebrate Recovery. He was known for his smiles and hugs and his father's heart.

A celebration of his life will be on Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 2 p.m. at The Bridge-Richland, 1916 Jadwin Ave., Richland; and a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens afterwards. There will be a viewing at Einan's Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday night.