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James Allen Obituary
1947 - 2021
Upper Arlington educational visionary James Allen, age 74, died at home on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, James is survived by his dog, Kai and thousands of teachers and students, many of whom he inspired to write and teach. A graduate of Otterbein and Ohio State, James began his career in 1969 at Upper Arlington High School. After retiring in 1999, James taught part-time at Wellington for ten years. Dr. Allen worked tirelessly at both schools to improve teaching and learning. In addition to working at UA as a Language Arts teacher, he served as Department Chair and K-12 Teacher Leader. During his tenure at UA and Wellington, James was both innovative and influential. He was responsible for reducing class-sizes and Initiating student-centered labs. He encouraged writing across the curriculum and implemented diverse courses with more composition and contemporary literature. He was a pioneer who encouraged integrated classes, collaborative teaching, common assessments, and grade-level standards. As a national consultant, James led workshops, spoke to large audiences at conferences, and published numerous articles. His work garnered multiple honors, including UAHS Teacher of the Year, District Teacher of the Year, UA Educators' Hall of Fame, the Golden Apple, and the Ashland Oil Teacher Achievement Award. James will be remembered for his love of the arts and his passion for the Buckeyes. He will also be remembered as a master gardener, gracious host, and fine cook. His parties—like his classes—were never dull! A celebration of James' life will be at the Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper, Arlington, OH 43220 on July 3, 2021 from 10:30am-11:30pm. In his memory, donations may be made to The Upper Arlington Education Foundation, 1950 N. Mallway, Columbus, OH 43221 (https://www.uaeducationfoundation.com) or The Wellington School Annual Fund, 3650 Reed Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 (https://giving.veracross.com/tws/give/WAF_OnlineForm21#gift-amount-step). To share memories and condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Allen
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
2 Entries
Martha Allen
July 4, 2021
James was my brother and the best brother ever when we were kids. He was always very creative, and, like me, new what he wanted to do when he grew up. He was full of confidence and loved being in shows as a kid.
He grew up to be one of the finest teachers in our country and I will always admire and applaud him for the gift he so cherished and that was to be a good educator and in hoping he was making a difference in his students lives. When he would tell us his teaching stories Mom, Dad and I were mystified by his creativity.
He could also throw a party that was out of this world and where you thought you were at some restaurant in New York.
He could also be hard headed and make me crazy sometimes but I loved him in spite of that.
He was handsome and the best dressed guy I ever new.
Good bye my brother and I hope you, our brother Ed, Mom and Dad are together and loving life in heaven.
Martha L. Allen, MSN, RN
fred burton
April 26, 2021
As an elementary school teacher, I really enjoyed working with James to revise the UA K-12 Language Arts Curriculum. He was always delighted when I shared writing by younger children and would always say: "They have such great voice! They're so genuine and real!" James was pretty genuine and real too. I'm sorry that I'll be out of state when he is honored in July.
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