Norwich - Jack B. Allen passed away on March 7, 2017. He was born in Norwich on Sept. 25, 1925. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Phillips) Allen, to whom he had been married for 60 years. He is survived by his son, Mark S. Allen, his wife, Sharon, and grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Penny, Dee Ann and Kimberly.

Jack attended the Laurel Hill and Broadway Grammar Schools and studied at the Norwich Free Academy. He joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year and later used the G.I. Bill to attend the John Herron Art Institute of Indianapolis. He thought to become a commercial artist, but so enjoyed teaching on Saturday mornings at the Art School Museum, he decided that that was his calling. After further degrees from UConn and Butler University, he became an art teacher at Windham High School where he was beloved by all his students for the next 33 years. He also was a traveling art teacher in the Windham Public Schools and taught adult oil painting in the evenings. He painted murals and altar pieces in several Willimantic churches. Jack and Betty loved children so Jack created a miniature circus with 12 operating acts and for 20 years he and Betty operated that circus for the enjoyment of many groups and thousands of children.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Jack B. Allen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Central Baptist Church, 2 Union Square, Norwich. Memorial donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, marked in memory of Jack and Betty Allen. A private graveside service at the Brewster Neck Cemetery will be held at the discretion of his family. A detailed tribute to Jack is available on the Web at churchandallen.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Mar. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Allen

Sponsored by Montville Funeral Home of Church & Allen.

22 Entries

March 30, 2017

He was a warm hearted man and teacher. WHS class of 76.
Neal Curland

Autumn & Chris Tripoli

March 30, 2017

We only knew Jack from a brief overlap of time while we were neighbors in South Windham. What an incredibly talented gentleman! Such beautiful artwork that he loved talking about & sharing. We always enjoyed hearing his stories about his wife & could see that he missed her dearly. He had such a great laugh too. Truly, a dear man who touched many lives!

Linda Breen

March 22, 2017

My condolences to the Allen family. I was a student of his at Windham High 1975-1977. I still have the pottery pieces I made in class. May you all be at peace.

Lincoln Phillips

March 18, 2017

To the Allen family: my condolences on the loss of a real class act, a gentlemen and very charitable man. He always had nice things to say and loved a good conversation.

Judith Pepin

March 18, 2017

I visited with Jack each time my therapy pug Bella and I went to Sheltering Arms. I enjoyed listening to him talk of his love for art and seeing how talented he was. He always had a smile on his face and seemed to really enjoy visits from Bella. We will both miss him.

Mary Lou Beckwith

March 16, 2017

Have many fond memories of a kind, creative gentleman through the years, as my Mom, Phyllis Aspinall taught with him at Windham High School. Years ago my family visited his circus, which his wife and he housed in their basement, and my now adult children and I can vividly remember his beautiful creations. Thanks for the memories of a great artist. What a legacy!

Sue Gardner

March 15, 2017

This is the passing of a gentle man who volunteered his time to work with the kids at Natchaug School writing a book on the circus. We looked forward to seeing him each week and when the book was completed, he shared copies with the kids. He had a beautiful smile and was just a treat for all of us. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but celebrating Jack tonight in my memories.

Ann and Marie Pedro

March 15, 2017

Sending our deepest sympathy to Mr. Allen's family and friends. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. His kindness was contagious. He was a wonderful storyteller and always a good listener. The world has lost a wonderful artist, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be rewarded in Heaven for all the good things he did for many people through the years. He will be greatly missed.

Jim Beesley

March 15, 2017

I always enjoyed visiting with Jack and Elizabeth when he would bring her to Sunday afternoon services at Douglas Manor. How kind, caring and also very interesting he was. It was a privilege to have known him. Jim Beesley, Windham Center Congregational Church

The Miller Family

March 15, 2017

Mark and Sharon, I am so sorry to hear about your father. From a fellow artist, I want you to know that we will miss him and his talents dearly. God, too, will keep him in his memory. Malachi 3:16

Richard Smith

March 15, 2017

I was Pastor at First Baptist Church in Willimantic for about ten years and both Jack and Betty were members and deacons of the church. Jack was a wonderful man and gentle soul and a lovely person. I especially enjoyed his creative art and his way of using it in worship and in the ministry of our congregation. Jack left the world a better place for his having been here! The Reverend Dr. Richard W Smith

Jill Tatro Moroch

March 15, 2017

Spent happy summers at his backyard camp. Those scavenger hunts were awesome. Remember when the circus was on TV. Of course, I was blest to have front row seat in the basement big top. Can hear his laugh right now. Sympathies to the family. He will be missed but remembered fondly.

March 14, 2017

My art teacher at WHS. Bless him into eternity. Good man. Gave of himself to so many; and such a talent he had...blessed.

My condolences to his family and close friends.
Olivia Grajeda

March 14, 2017

Offering deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May your cherished memories shine through your sorrow. John 11: 33-44

Skip Doubleday

March 14, 2017

Jack and wife lived across the street from my folks in South Windham for many years. Had the pleasure of watching his miniature circus many times. My memories of Jack go back to high school where he taught art. He a kind soul with a big heart.

Herbert Bush

March 14, 2017

His miniature circus will always be in my memories, Mr. Allen was a colleague of my mother, Eileen , and they taught many years together.

March 14, 2017

My condolences to family and friends. Take time to grieve and celebrate a life well-lived. The loss of a loved one is truly difficult no matter how long we have them with us, but remember Almighty God promises to be near to all those calling on him (Psalm 145:18)

Sarah

March 14, 2017

I have many great memories of Mr. Allen and his art classes. He had a very gentle spirit and genuine joy of teaching. He will be missed.

Beverly Goslin

March 14, 2017

Jack greatly influenced my life as my teacher at Windham High School. He was a kind and talented man who knew how to share his love of Art. His faith and love of his family were his hallmarks. Praying that God will comfort Mark and the family as only He can.

March 13, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family,at this sad time.

Tom Hall

March 11, 2017

May God's love offer you comfort at this time of loss. We offer our condolences to your family.

March 9, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

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