James Allen

ALLEN, HANFT, GENTZLER, LEACH, BOYSEN

Posted By: David L. Skipton (email)
Date: 10/5/2009 at 01:16:07

Source-Columbus Gazette

James Allen, 90, of Columbus Junction, died Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Monday, February 4, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at the Stacy-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Columbus Junction. Pastor Cathy Whitlatch of the Columbus Junction United Methodist Church officiated. Casket bearers were Kelly Nugent, Dan Nielson, Jim Allen, David Boysen, Bryson Allen, and Brock Allen.

Visitation for James was held on Sunday, February 3, 2008.

A memorial has been established at the funeral home in James’ name. Condolences notes may be left for the Allen family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com

James Allen was born on March 21, 1917 in Columbus Junction, IA, the son of James H. Allen Sr, and Iva (Hanft) Allen. On March 25, 1938 James was united in marriage to Jean Gentzler in Washington, Iowa. Jim and Jean traveled up and down the Mississippi entertaining with the big bands for those traveling on the ship The SS President from 1940 to 1942. Jim played the trumpet with one of the top name big bands of the era, The Billy Bishop Band, from 1943-1953. Jim’s love of music continued for many years into the 1970’s playing at the Colosseum Ballroom in Davenport and from 1953 to 1982 he was owner/operator of the Allen Barber Shop in Columbus Junction.

He enjoyed playing chess and golf and woodworking building furniture and balsa airplanes.

James will be dearly missed by his wife, Jean of Columbus Junction, his son, Gregory J. Allen and wife, Vicki of Columbus Junction, and his daughter, Deborah J. Leach and her husband, Barry of Brandon, MS; four grandchildren, Danyelle Boysen of Cairo, James Allen of Muscatine, Bryson and Brock Allen of Columbus Junction; and three great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Beverly Allen.