Earl James (Jim) Allen Jr.
Earl James (Jim) Allen Jr.
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Earl Allen Jr. Obituary
Jim was born to Earl and Juanita Allen on 12/23/1944 in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from Andrew Jackson HS in 1963. He enlisted in the US Navy where he served two years active duty before transferring to the Naval Reserves, followed by the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring in 1996. Jim was a plank holder of the USS England and was an active member of the ship's reunion group where he enjoyed fellowship with his Navy brothers.
Jim married Bonnie Keller in September 1967 after meeting in Psychology class at St. Johns River Junior College. They often joked that this beginning explained their marriage to a "T". Jim worked as a salesman for several local companies in the automotive aftermarket until his retirement from that industry in 2004 and then began a second career as a bailiff for the Duval County Courthouse until his retirement last Sept.
Jim was a devoted Christian and long-time member of Riverside Park UMC. He served in numerous leadership positions throughout his years at the church but none more enjoyable than being the coach of the church softball team.
Jim was a wonderful family man and devoted father and grandfather, rarely missing a family event. Jim enjoyed coaching his sons and their friends in little league at the Sans Souci ballpark in the 70s and 80s. Many of those young men still referred to him as "coach" until his passing.
Jim graduated from coaching to becoming the biggest fan of his grandchildren. Whether watching games on a field, in a gym, on a court, or putting on a tie and clapping at dance recitals, he left no doubt to those around him how much he loved his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Juanita.
Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Bonnie, his two sons, Scott (Christi) and Brian (Misty), four grandchildren, Sandy, Colby, Jeb, and Julia, and his brother Mike Allen.
His memorial service will be on 7/1/2023, at 11:00 AM, at Riverside Park UMC, 819 Park St. Jacksonville, FL, with a reception immediately following in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Riverside Park UMC.
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Kevin Round
June 30, 2023
"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise." ~ JRR Tolkien
I will miss Jim. He was one of the first people to welcome us to RPUMC. A wonderful sense of humor and always seemed to be smiling.
Darlene Joseph
June 29, 2023
We have so many beautiful memories of Jim. He and Bonnie went on our Honeymoon with the handbell choir 41yrs ago. He was an amazing man and devoted Christian. Sending our love and deepest sympathy to the family. Joe and Darlene Joseph
Shi
June 29, 2023
He will always hold a special place in my heart. I´m so sorry for this great loss. The world is not as bright without him. I send lots of love and sympathy to the family. I will never forget him taking me out to play catch, out to eat, church, picking me up from the orphanage and going to church and going to visit UF to see Scott & Christi!
We both knew right then they were a perfect couple and would get married.
He was an amazing father, husband and human being!
The world lost a precious light. His legacy is so bright because of all of the love and laughter he had to share.
He was a die hard baseball fan and Florida gator fan. Today this day I wear my gator colors with pride because of him!
I may not be his "little girl" but I will always hold a special place in my heart for him as a loving "father."
Truly, the world lost such a precious soul. No one knows the great loss unless they knew his big heart and smile. His laughter and sense of humor was so contagious. He was focused and dedicated to whatever he set him mind to accomplish.
Praying for all of his family and friends.
Ed and Teresa Hanna
June 19, 2023
Sympathies to the Allen families. What a wonderful tribute to a Gator man...he would always tease me about my great Seminoles!
His legacy and memories will continue.
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Mike & Cyndy Cogdill
June 18, 2023
Oh Bonnie, we were so saddened to read about Jim´s passing. We have a lot of good memories of our boys playing ball at San Souci! Coach was always patient and supportive of his boys and the teams boys..... He was a blessing in many lives.
Brenda Trimble
June 15, 2023
Many hours spent together in Sans Souci baseball, the families got to know each other really well. Many fine people, none finer than Jim Allen. Fond memories. The Trimble Family.
Steve Heath
June 15, 2023
Jim and I met on a trip in 1975 to Auburn put together by Steve Glaros with Jake Griffis. This was the start of many Gator games and many more golf games.They were all adventures and we became the 4 Gator Brothers. I will miss Jim like I miss Steve and Jake.
Steve Heath
Linda Natzel
June 15, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Darryl and Tanya Ashe
June 15, 2023
There can be no greater measure of a man than the family and friends he has influenced. Scott, the man you have become and the incredible family you have raised paints a beautiful picture of your fathers legacy. Our thoughts and prayers as always are with you and your family.
Dan and Carol Colley
June 15, 2023
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones" Ps. 116:15 Privileged to have had Jimmy as my older cousin. May the Lord bless you Bonnie and family. Love and hugs, Carol
Diane Take
June 15, 2023
I love this family with all my heart. So many memories of playing cards, boating fun, church softball, the gators and so much more. Jim was such a supporting friend during my very emotional divorce. He was always there to talk to. Rest in peace Jim. I love you.
Joan Burns
June 15, 2023
Bonnie and family I am sending condolences on your loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. For the limited time I knew he I could see what a happy man he was. Hold on to your memories. Thoughts and prayers to you all. May he rest in peace.
James & Linda Fox
June 15, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Willie Conn
June 15, 2023
I was so blessed to know Jim when he was on the board for Riverside Park Apartments and I was the Regional Manager overseeing for the owner. I will never forget his quick wit, his empathy shown when I left the company and he continued to check on me afterwards. When my father passed he attended the memorial service and I was so shocked and asked him " what are you doing here" and he said support for you and your family. To this day I get choked up thinking that he went out of his way to support me in my time of grief. He always paid it forward to ensure he thought of others. Faithful servant, well done, you will be missed.
May and Rick
June 15, 2023
My husband Rick and I are part of Jim´s England family, we are truly blessed to have known Jim, he will be missed by many. Until we meet again, R.I.P our friend. Rick & May
Dorinda Dodson-Watson
June 14, 2023
A man who had served his church for 54 years and that void will be hard to fill. You are not in any pain or struggling to breathe.
Go rest high up on that mountain
Son your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a-shouting
Love for a father and a son.
My condolences to the entire Allen family and loved ones.
LouAnn Simpson
June 14, 2023
I had the pleasure of having Jim in my line dancing class, he was such an enthusiastic student, great times, great memories
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