James H Allen

Graveside Service for Mr. James H. Allen, 59 of Decatur, AL will be 2:00 pm Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Bell Church Cemetery with the Reverend George Allen Jr. officiating.  There will be no public viewing. Mr. Allen died on March 30, 2021 at his residence.

Mr. James Henry Allen was born in Decatur, (Morgan County) Alabama on November 8, 1961. The fifth child of George Washington Allen, Sr. and Myrtle Lyle Allen, he was always inquisitive, comical and had a good-loving spirit.  His parents preceded him in death.

Growing up in the historic Old Town Community in Decatur, he attended Cherry Street School and graduated from Decatur High School in 1980.  He later served two years in the United States Airforce and also was a member of the George W. Braxdall Lodge # 28.  Accepting Christ at an early age, he joined St. Paul Spiritual Church and later affiliated himself with the Bell Primitive Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Elder Benjamin Burt, Decatur, Alabama.  

James, fondly called “Gooch” by family and friends was a master carpenter. A jack of all trades, he took great pride in fixing things and restoring them to their original beauty. He enjoyed the road and was once a long haul truck driver. A special gift to work with the disabled, he was employed in several group homes, the last A&K Heavenly Home. Having a “green thumb” Gooch enjoyed gardening and caring for his beautiful house plants. 

He fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Linda Holden.  Adoring his “Roe,” they married April 22, 1985. The couple have two children, Tinisha and LaMarcus and beloved grandchildren who will remember him as their “GooGoo.”

Precious memories will be cherished by his wife of nearly 36 years, his three children, Tinisha Allen and LaMarcus Allen, Decatur, Alabama, Hannah Mizell, Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren, Marquez, Gabriel (Gabby), Toriontae, Kaidenand Cheyanna; six siblings, Peggy Towns, Hillsboro, Alabama, George (Rosemary) Allen, Jr., Emma Allen, and Susie Allen, Decatur, Alabama, Petrina Allen, Madison, Alabama and Cynthia Allen, Jonesboro, Georgia; in-laws, William and Carrie Holden, sister in law, Kasandra Holden; brother in law, William Holden; uncle, Rev. Michael Allen, Athens, Alabama, aunt, Lois (Jimmy) Brown, Jackie (Askia) Omar; special nieces and nephews, much-loved cousins, numerous relatives and many friends.

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