James F. Allen

James “Jim” Allen, 90, of Mancelona, passed away peacefully on April 8th, in the compassionate care of Munson staff, with family at his side. 

He was the 5th of 7 children born to parents Rex and Henrietta (Townsend) Allen of Mancelona. Of his youth, Jim said, “I don’t remember much but I think I must’ve had a pretty good time.” 

After graduating from Mancelona High School in 1950, Jim enlisted in the Navy and served as a photographer on active duty for 20 years, spanning Korea and Vietnam, obtaining the rank PHC (Photographer’s Mate Chief Petty Officer), and earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, and 5 Navy Good Conduct Medals. Jim was proud of his military service. He liked to talk about the places he was stationed, including Hawaii, Japan, and Guam. After military retirement, Jim worked another 20 years in civil service at the Naval Audiovisual Center in Washington D.C as a motion picture developer. 

Jim was a unique individual who valued his solitude. He loved to spend as much time as possible in nature. He loved to rifle and bow hunt deer and turkey, as well as track and photograph all sorts of animals. Jim was a longtime member of the Eutaw Forest Archers and St. Charles Sportsman’s Club of Maryland. He was also a longtime member of the NRA, the American Legion, and donated annually to the National Wildlife Federation. 

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Allen of Sevierville, TN, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings (Nancy Gaylord, Buck Allen, Florence Ide, Jack Allen, Helen Smith, and Joe Allen), and several nieces and nephews, including nephew and closest friend, Robert Gaylord. 

Jim recently shared, concerning his passing, “When I’m gone, let them say of me, ‘He lived as he pleased, he did what he thought to be right, and he drank a lot in between’.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to The National Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583.

No service is planned at this time.