Earl James "Jim" Allen, Jr.

Earl James (Jim) Allen Jr, Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 under Hospice care from pulmonary fibrosis.

Jim was born to Earl and Juanita Allen on 12/23/1944 in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from Andrew Jackson HS in 1963. He enlisted in the US Navy where he served two years active duty before transferring to the Naval Reserves, followed by the Coast Guard Reserves, retiring in 1996. Jim was a plank holder of the USS England and was an active member of the ship’s reunion group where he enjoyed fellowship with his Navy brothers.

Jim married Bonnie Keller in September 1967 after meeting in Psychology class at St. Johns River Junior College. They often joked that this beginning explained their marriage to a “T”.  Jim worked as a salesman for several local companies in the automotive aftermarket until his retirement from that industry in 2004 and then began a second career as a bailiff for the Duval County Courthouse until his retirement last Sept.

Jim was a devoted Christian and long-time member of Riverside Park UMC. He served in numerous leadership positions throughout his years at the church but none more enjoyable than being the coach of the church softball team.

Jim was a wonderful family man and devoted father and grandfather, rarely missing a family event. Jim enjoyed coaching his sons and their friends in little league at the Sans Souci ballpark in the 70s and 80s. Many of those young men still referred to him as “coach” until his passing.

Jim graduated from coaching to becoming the biggest fan of his grandchildren. Whether watching games on a field, in a gym, on a court, or putting on a tie and clapping at dance recitals, he left no doubt to those around him how much he loved his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Juanita.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Bonnie, his two sons, Scott (Christi) and Brian (Misty), four grandchildren, Sandy, Colby, Jeb, and Julia, and his brother Mike Allen.

His memorial service will be on 7/1/2023, at 11:00 AM, at Riverside Park UMC, 819 Park St. Jacksonville, FL, with a reception immediately following in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Riverside Park UMC.