James Stutts ALLEN

1932 - 2024

James Stutts Allen, passed away on July 15, 2024, in Spokane, Washington, from a heart attack at the age of 92. He was born January 26, 1932, in Long Beach, California. His family moved at a young age and had a ranch outside of Hemet, California. James enlisted into the Air Force in 1951 as aircraft electrician and mechanic during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan putting bombers back together for the war effort. After his discharge, he moved back to California where he met and soon after married Barbara Jean Allen. They moved to Spokane, Washington, a few years later where he worked for Barber Engineering, where he retired after 30 years in 1985. Later that year, James and Barbara started Allen's Cycle in their front yard on Euclid, and eventually moved up to north market street until 1999 when his sons took over the business. He had a crash in 2000 flat track racing that slowed him down and kept him from being able to ride motorcycles any longer. He had a passion for riding, racing, and helping motorcycle enthusiasts, even sponsoring local riders. He was an avid hunter and loved spending time in the woods camping, fishing, or just relaxing with family and friends throwing horseshoes. He later picked up Golf and enjoyed playing a round anytime he could. His laugh was infectious, and his sense of humor will be missed.

Barbara Jean Allen, was born July 7, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her family moved out to Riverside, California, when she was still in grade school. She met James through friends, and it was love at first sight. After moving up to Spokane, she found work at Crystal Laundry until they relocated in 1973 for the Expo and went to work for a catering company out at SFCC until she retired in 1995. She loved baking and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her quick wit was second to none and her voice could be heard wherever she was. James and Barbara loved dancing and were part of a local dancing club in Spokane where they met and made many lifelong friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean, who passed away at her sister's house on December 29, 2009. James found love and happiness again in a close family friend, Alice Arthur of Spokane, Washington, and spent the rest of his days laughing and enjoying life with her till his last breath. James has left behind a daughter from a previous relationship, Cathy R. Craig of Zwolle, Louisiana, and with his marriage to Barbara, two sons, James S. and Michael L., both of Spokane, Washington. Along with their children's spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who love and miss them both dearly.

A Celebration of Life for both James and Barbara will be held on Saturday, September 7 at 5:00pm, at Wandermere Golf Course Banquet Hall, in North Spokane, for those who wish to attend. A small graveside service for family and close friends will be held on Monday, September 9 at 2:30pm, at Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane.