James Allen

James M. Allen
7/8/1919 – 11/27/2014
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

James Milborn Allen, 95, went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 27, 2014. Services will be 1 p.m., Monday, December 1, 2014, at the Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Dr. Joe Bailey officiating. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2014, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

James was born July 8, 1919 in Water Valley, Mississippi to James Hodges and Velma Tutor Allen. When he was a young child, he moved to Lorena, Texas with his family and then to Waco, Texas where he grew up attending Waco schools.

As a young man, James was invited to Tabernacle Baptist Church where he learned about the great love of the God he served all of his future life. He was baptized and served the church in numerous positions including, Sunday school teacher, where he guided many young people. He continued to teach Sunday school, always wanting others to have the gift of salvation that he had received, sharing to both the young and to the older generations. James would serve as a deacon at several area churches, he most recently was a faithful member of Speegleville Baptist Church where he continued to serve even after illness limited his attendance.

James met the love of his life Marguerite Beard and they were married September 11, 1939, thus beginning 59 years of marriage. Together, they made their home in Waco, until WWII took him away to serve his country. James served in the US Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Kwajalein from 1942 to 1944. He achieved the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class before his discharge in 1944, where he returned to Waco to continue his family and the home he and Marguerite had built. Together they raised three children . He worked for HEB retiring after 32 years and began a career with American Greetings for another 20 years.

James took great pride in his family and lived his life reflecting the Love of Christ that defined him. In his final days he called on God in his daily prayers, knowing God would give him the strength he needed until his final journey to his heavenly home. He cherished the prayers of others and received so many blessing from those who prayed for him. It was not unusual to meet someone from years past that had worked with him,that expressed how their lives had been influenced by his leadership and integrity. How still today they share those lessons learned from him, that in turn help shape those they know. Often he was amazed how his life had been so influential without him even realizing he was making a difference. He never looked for praise or glory from his actions and this was his greatest influence. He was a man of his word.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

He is survived by his son, James Allen and wife, Tina; daughters, Margaret Ann Wessel and husband, Dick, daughter, Linda Keister and husband, Don; dear friend Mary Jacobs; brother, JB Allen; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great and great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Grant and the caring staff and nurses at St. Catherine’s, and special thanks to Tracie Holobaugh, Jim Knight, Reggie, his personal caregiver at St. Catherine’s and his neighbor Bill Jones.

Memorials may be made to Speegleville Baptist Church.