Allyn, James Edward, Sr.
James Allyn passed into the loving arms of Jesus on July 31, 2014, after fighting a long courageous battle against cancer. People would say that he lost the war but he actually won the battle. Jim was born in Sanger, CA. on January 12, 1930 to Quentine C. Allyn and Thelma (Dralle). Jim was soon bitten by the travel bug and since the war was going on and he decided that if he was to be drafted he would go into the military as an officer he left and went to Wentworth, Missouri to military school in 1945. Jim decided to return home where he graduated from Sanger High School in 1946 at the top of his class of 102. After his graduation from High School, he went on to attend Fresno State University for almost two years and then he decided to save the country from the communist menace and he joined the Army as an enlisted man. From there Jim was selected from among his peers for an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point after turning down an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. Jim was a top student and received many awards and accolades while enrolled in the academy. But his plans were soon derailed by the Korean War and he volunteered for service away from the academy. Jim was assigned to 868 Field Artillery unit in charge of nuclear weapons and he completed his service and spent 3 years, 8 months and 27 days protecting the country from harm, but as he liked to say, "who is counting the days." After his service in the Army, Jim decided to come to Arizona on the advice of an Army buddy to help pick cotton. As he was working in the sun picking cotton he decided to make a decision that would impact his life for many years to come. Jim decided to enroll in Arizona State University the Fall semester of 1953 and he completed his Business degree in 1955 and served as a proud alumni until the time of his passing. Once he received his degree Jim made what was perhaps a head scratcher of a decision. He decided to travel to Tucson to attend Law School. Jim decided that the courtroom was not his cup of tea and he came back to the valley none the worse for wear. Jim then decided that he would try his hand as a computer programmer for Arizona Public Service where he was taught how to program and run the UNIVAC computer for the largest utility in the State. Jim worked at this job proudly for three years until he made the decision that more money was to be made in the Real Estate business and he formed Allyn Land and Cattle in 1959. During this time Jim fell in lust with a woman he met in Tucson and they married and divorced in the same weekend. But by that relationship he brought forth a daughter Cecilia who he was very proud of. Jim received his first Real Estate Sales license in 1959 and he soon became a top salesman with Blankenship Builders. During this time he met and fell in love with the woman who would be the driving force in his life and the one who would stand by her man for the rest of his life. Jim was well known for flirting with the young women on campus and he happened to find a young typist named Martha Jobe and they became a very steamy romance and soon married in November of 1959. They lived hand to mouth and then things began to happen. While Jim was heavily involved in the real estate business, his own family was growing. He was blessed with his first son James Edward Allyn, Jr in 1960. Despite the hazards of childrearing they decided that they would have another child and Henry Preston was born in 1961. During this time Jim was busy selling Real Estate and working on his father in law's farm plowing potatoes and picking cotton. Soon his family was blessed by another child, perhaps his favorite Catherine Claire was born in the winter of 1963. With his family complete Jim made the decision to move from Chandler Heights and into the big city of Chandler in order that his children and his wife would be able to have the luxuries that they deserved. Jim had Blankenship Builders build a house in Thunderbird Estates and he raised his family in the house in which his wife still lives. As Jim's real estate career was taking off he became involved in the community. Whether at his children's school activities or as a Charter member of the Elks Club, Jim could be seen and heard all over the city. Jim was active in the Farm Bureau and the Roosevelt Water Conservation District. Jim was active in the political arena serving for many years on Chandlers Planning and Zoning commission. His work with the Planning and Zoning commission allowed Chandler to compete successfully for Intel which ultimately shaped the entire fabric of Chandler. In his later years became a committeeman for the Republican Party and he was actively involved in hosting and attending these events. As time went on Jim became successful in dealing with the Japanese real estate market and he and his wife were soon traveling all over the world on behalf of his Japanese business partners. Jim loved to regale his friends and family with the stories of his travels. Jim was blessed with the innate ability to make the best of a bad situation and he always seemed to make lemonade out of lemons that life would hand him. Jim was a loving husband, father, son and a very proud veteran. He is survived by his wife Martha, his sons James, Jr, his wife Kathy Sue his grandson James Jr. and his granddaughter Maggie Sue. His son Hank and his wife Maria and his grandsons Jeremy and Randal and his granddaughter Karen. Jim is also survived by Sarah Drennon, and Kayla McDonald his granddaughters and his grandson Raymond McDonald and his great-granddaughter Cecilia McDonald. He is also survived by his sister Gerry and his brother Keith who both live in California. He was preceded in death by his parents Q.C. Allyn, Thelma (Dralle), his sister Helen (Finn) and his two daughters Cecilia and Cathy. A memorial service will be held at the Spanish Nazarene Church, 191 S. California Street, Chandler, Az. on August 16th at 1:00 pm. Black attire is not required. This is a celebration of Jim's life not mourning his passing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His Loving family. We will never forget..
My grandpa was the only Dad I've ever had. I treasure our many deep talks and memories we shared. He was a great man. He was strong, kind, loving, funny, and priceless to me. Today you've been gone for two years now. Part of me still expects you to come walking through the front door :( I miss you. No one could ever replace you Gpa. I wish you were still here. I love you so much Gpa!
July 31, 2016
I miss you everyday. I hope I can one day be the man that you taught me to be. I hope I can make you proud.
June 23, 2016
Jim Jr
October 27, 2015
Still miss him a whole lot.
April 14, 2015
Miss him everyday
February 3, 2015
THinking of you often Marty. Praying for peace with your family and cherishing wonderful memories. Love you, Missey Pemberton
August 16, 2014
Marty so sorry for your loss,you and your family are in my prayers.
Hugs,
Addie
August 15, 2014
Marty, I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. May Jim rest in peace.
Marge Garvy
August 15, 2014
Marty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Jim rest in peace.
Paulette Nelson
August 10, 2014
Best Grandfather anyone could ask for. I will pass on his legendto my ddaughter. He will be greatly missed but happy to know he is in a better place. With love
Kayla McDonald
August 7, 2014
Grandpa, only God knows how much I miss you. According with society you were my father in law, according with our relationship you were my father, my friend, and my mentor. You are physically gone but will live in my memories for ever until we meet again. I believe you are in a better place, I love you and miss you.
Maria Allyn
August 7, 2014
What an awesome man he was. Now he is singing with the angels with Cathy and Cecilia! Please give hugs to Marty for me. Appreciate you sharing this with all of us. Love u guys!
Missey Pemberton (Walter)
August 6, 2014
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