Obituary of Richard Allen

Richard James Allen, 88, passed away on Sunday, April 1 , in Roanoke, Virginia after an extended illness. "Jim" was born March 24, 1924, in Spokane, Washington to Roy and Edna Allen. He had an older sister and brother, the late Jane Thompson and Tex Allen. The love of his life was Frances Stewart Allen and over the years they lived in Ohio, Washington, Utah, Nebraska, Oregon, Missouri, and Virginia. But down deep, Jim had become a true "snow-bird", calling Fernandina Beach, FL "home". After graduating from High School, Jim was drafted into the US Army/Air Corps, serving as a flight mechanic in the Pacific Theater of WWII. He would often tell amazing adventure stories of his time in the Philippines, New Guinea, and the island of Kirawina. Later, he wrote a detailed memoir of his experiences in the War. Returning safely to the US, he graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He was employed by the Leo A. Daly Company and while working in GA, took a weekend trip to Fernandina Beach where he met future wife Frances. Happily married in 1953, they later had one daughter, Margaret Allen Courtney, who is employed as a Music Educator with Botetourt County Public Schools. Jim left the Daly Company in the early 70's and bought a land-surveying business in Fernandina Beach. After being his own boss for nearly a decade, he then returned to Civil Engineering, accepting a position with Fluor , in Saudi Arabia. In 1977, he returned to the US and spent the rest of his career planning, developing, and engineering Kings Bay Nuclear Submarine Base . Retiring in 1990 from the Civil Service, Jim and wife Frances enjoyed traveling together and spending time with family and dear friends. Four years ago, they moved to Roanoke to be closer to Margaret and son-in-law, Carlton Courtney. Together, they lived at the Roanoke United Methodist Home before moving to Emeritus @ Ridgewood Gardens in Salem. After Frances' death in September of 2011, Jim moved to Emeritus @ Roanoke. He was a well-rounded man who could fix ANYTHING, collected coins passionately, avidly played Bridge, enjoyed challenging puzzles, told hilarious jokes and stories, and played hard with his grand-dogs, Monty & Ali. He also had a helpful heart, assisting friends & relatives with household maintenance, generously giving and helping others financially, and donating his time and services to Habitat For Humanity in Fernandina Beach, FL. Jim is survived by his daughter Margaret, and son-in-law, Carlton Courtney. Margaret wishes to give special thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and to Emeritus @ Roanoke staff. To Marcia especially Jim would be so grateful for the comfort you gave him and his family as his life came to closure. Margaret & Carlton will receive friends at Orchard Hills Church of the Holy Spirit, located at 6032 Cloverdale Rd., Roanoke, VA, 24019 on Wednesday, April 4 from 6-8pm. A private family service will be held in Fernandina Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jim's name to: St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation 8232 Enon Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24019 or to Gentle Shepherd Hospice 6045 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, Virginia 24019. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. 366-0707