James “Jim” IV Allen
Died: December 7, 2014 | Place: Residence
Obituary
ALLEN, James IV…. Quietly at his residence on Sunday, December 7, 2014, Jim Allen IV, of London, in his 73rd year. Beloved husband and best friend of Marsha (Box) Allen for 49 ½ years. Loving father of LuAnne Hughes (Jeff) and Jamie Allen V (Jen) of London. Cherished grandpa “Poot” of Kirstyn, Hannah, Maggie, James VI and Hank. Dear brother of Bob Allen (Cindy), Pat Allen, Shelley Marinigh (Ed) and brother-in-law of Libby Kay (Mal) and Chuck Box (Janis). Missed by his nieces, nephews, family and friends. Jim was a longtime Teacher and Basketball Coach with Thames Valley Board of Education. He was involved with London Sports Council and KidSport London Chapter. He was the director of OELC Orillia for many years and recently became a Senator at Highland Country Club. Jim was a mentor and inspiration to all his students and teams. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 6 – 9 pm, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. As an expression of sympathy, cheques may be made to KidSport London, 316 Rectory Street, London, ON N5Y 5P8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to Jamie, Mrs. Allen and the rest of the family. My thoughts are with you.
With love,
Janis
Dear Marsha:
I was so sorry to be told of Jim’s sudden passing this morning. My sympathies and thoughts are with you now and in the coming days, weeks and months. Jim was, without a doubt, the BEST secretary for you, and for all of us at the funeral homes you serve. Fond memories will remain. Sincerely, Ruth Woods-McIntyre
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to Jamie, Mrs. Allen and the rest of the family. Jim’s love for children being able to play sport was one of his passions. As President of Kid Sport Timmins I offer the family our sympathy. Colleen Landers and the Kid Sport Timmins board,
Sincere condolences to family and friends from KidSport Iroquois Falls
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and my condolences to the family. London and sports have lost one of their warmest and most upbeat supporters.
Jim was a legend at North Middlesex District High School. Having coached almost every sport offered at North Midd, he was a mentor to thousands of students during his career on the court, on the field and in the classroom. His enthusiasm and dedication to sport was second to none. He was an exemplary coach and many younger staff and students aspired to the standard that he set. Kids always came first with Jim and he will be missed dearly by so many people.
Ray Hughes
So sorry about Jim’s passing. My condolences to you your daughter & family . Mike
Jim and I were teammates at South Collegiate those many years ago. Jim was a tremendous athlete excelling in football, basketball and track. It’s no wonder that he had such a magnificent career at North Middlesex High School. I shall always be indebted to Jim for introducing me to my favourite food–pizza in the Fall of 1959. As both a football coach and basketball official I followed Jim’s exemplary career with admiration. I ask that Jim’s family accept my most sincere condolences. Rest in peace my friend and Go Lions!
Ross Spettigue
Windsor, ON
I ran into him about 6 months ago, after all the years of coaching and teaching students, he remembered who I was and wanted to know how my family and I were doing. Just goes to show how great of a man he truly was, I wasn’t able to learn from him as a coach but I was able to learn from him in gym class and by watching him coach. He was a great teacher but an even greater man. Some of the guys he coached over the years will tell you he was hard on them in practice and during a game but between those times he would help all of them with whatever they needed, Rest in peace Mr Allen
My condolences go out to Coach Allan’s family. As said before, no matter how much time had passed he genuinely remembered all his students and athletes over the years. Thanks Jim for all your hard work and help whether it be on or off the court. You’ll forever be in the memories and hearts of many.
dear Marsha Luanne Jamie &family I wish to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. I leave for barbs Thursday afternoon for 4weeks I will call you when I get home
My condolence to Marsha, LuAnne, Jamie and their families on the loss of a husband, father, grandfather. Also a great loss to many young men that Jim mentored and coached over the years. He will be truly missed.
Marsha, I am so saddened to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Wood
To Marsha and the Allen family, we wish you strength to deal with your sad loss.
When I think of Mr. Allen I remember seeing his big smile and hearing his deep laugh whenever I walked into the gym at North Middlesex DHS. Most vividly though, I can picture him at the sidelines of the basketball court as he coached many Marauder Senior Boys Basketball teams to OFSAA championships. His dedication to the sport, but more importantly to his athletes was impressive. I was lucky to be a student in his Phys-ed classes, a member on his MAA and then a colleague in his PE Dept at NMDHS. He will always be fondly remembered as a true Marauder!
Jamie & family,
My sincerest condolences, may your father’s memory be eternal and may you all find strength during this time of saddness
Thinking of you
Dina Maglaris
I will always remember Jim for his smile and his spirit. Despite his intense competitive nature he brought fun to the activity. Through basketball and golf I had a chance to get to know him and that spirit of competitive fun will be my reminder of him.
Marsha, Jamie and LuAnne-I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Coach Allen was a great man and he had a great influence on my life, as he did for so many. I was very fortunate that he somehow landed at NMDHS and was my coach. I marvel now at his dedication, endless spirit and ability to lead and motivate. I never had a coach that I enjoyed playing for more. I hope that all of the fond memories of him help you through this difficult time.
Jim was the epitome of a dedicated coach and generous colleague . His enthusiasm was infectious , his friendships unlimited and his genuine love of sports are a tribute to a man who has done so much for his community . We are all blessed by his presence and memory.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Jim Allen. Our family spent many, many hours in various gymnasiums throughout Ontario and many long bus rides to OFSSA tournaments with Mr. Allen while Adam and Dan were at North Middlesex. He was a coach and a friend and loved by every single student who had the privilege to know him. He has left a void that will be hard to fill but he has certainly left an impression on the world of high school sports that will never be forgotten. RIP Coach Allen.
The Bullock Family
Marsha, Jamie and LuAnne, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. The North Middlesex DHS staff, former students and Parkhill community are greatly saddened by the loss of a great basketball coach but even more so the loss of great inspiration to many. He provided so much joy to so many of his students and players for so many years. He always had time to chat and was willing to listen. He coached me in Football, basketball and track and field at NMDHS. It was quite a thrill to finally coach against him once I became a coach. He had the ability to get the most out of his players. We will truly miss him. A few years ago at NMDHS we created a “Jim Allen” basketball award “dedication to Marauder Basketball”. A Marauder Forever!
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such an inspiration to so many young lives. I was blessed to have him as a teacher and I would like to say a friend. I saw him a few years ago when the Marauders were playing against the school he was coaching for. I had a great chat with him and was pleased he remembered who I was! I introduced him to my son as one of the best coaches around. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this sad time. I am truly blessed to have known him. He will forever hold a place in my heart.
To LuAnne, Jamie and Marsha and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Coach Jim will be forever remembered for his big laugh and huge smile and he was a guy who could control his young teams …But you didn’t want to tick him off lol We will always remember his teasing of a senior girl dating a junior player.
Hold your memories close as it’s never easy losing someone but especially this time of year (been there twice). Take care and stay strong.
Mr. Allen cared deeply about his students, whether they had athletic talents or not. His big laugh and sense of humour was the life of the gym. His ability to motivate young people commanded respect. He took groups of kids from a little rural high school and made them believe that if they worked hard together they could compete with anyone. And with his help, they did. I can no longer sink a free throw with any regularity but other values he passed on stay with me to this day. Thank you Mr. Allen. My condolences to your family.
To Marsha and family:
You have our sincere sympathy. Time has
passed since NMDHS days but many great
memories. Dean and Mark both found him a huge inspiration.
Judy and I would like to send our condolences to the Allen family.Jim and I were friends for a lot of years and I will miss him immensely. His work with kids will be remembered for a long time to come.
Dear Marsha and family, Gerald and I send our sincerest condolences to you in the sudden loss of Jim. May you and your family find peace in knowing he was so highly thought of by so many former students.
Dear Marsha and family, Gerald and I send our sincerest condolences to you in the sudden loss of Jim. May you and your family find peace in knowing he was so highly thought of by so many former students.
Jim was my coach for multiple sports during my time at NMDHS. He was a kind man and a mentor.
I am very sorry for the loss. He will be missed.
I want to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. He was a great mentor in highschool!!
To Mr.Allen’s Family-
He was a great teacher and coach at North Middlesex DHS. Everytime I saw him in the hall, he would say Hi. My condolences to your whole family. Marauder forever!!!
Marsha,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Jim. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
it was our pleasure to first meet Jim in 1972 at North Midd. Jim was a gentleman ,a fine teacher and also a lover of doo wop and all the music of our lives. He will be missed.
Marsha and Family
It has to warm your hearts to see and hear all the wonderful tributes to “Mr. Allen”. He truly was a remarkable man in every way. The lessons that he taught our children and us, the parents were lessons that go far beyond the basketball court. He taught us to always strive to do the best we could in anything and everything we do in life. When we did this, we had a right to feel proud of the job we had done. Jim led by example for sure.
Thank you so much for having shared Jim with all of his extended families at North Middlesex for so many years while he coached our children. Every one of us remembers our time with him in such a fond way.
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time while you learn to cope with your loss. Memories will keep him alive forever in everyone’s heart.
Marsha, Jamie and Lu Anne – I am so sorry for your loss. Jim influenced many impressionable teenagers at North Midd. He made us physically and mentally tough during football season and instilled a love for basketball that will last a life time. Jim gave me the confidence and passion to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. I was so proud to eventually share an office with Jim and fellow colleague Ray Hughes.
I spoke with Jim last Wednesday before his game at Central and as usual there was an immediate connection of friendship and my feeling of admiration for him as he prepared his athletes for yet another game. I truly realize how lucky I was to have Mr. Allen as my first coach at North Midd. Thanks Jim
Mr. Allen had such a positive impact in developing so many great people throughout his lifetime. He is irreplaceable.
Dear Marsha – My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Jim’s positive attitude and his willingness to help with different programs, especially if they focused on our young members, was special and greatly appreciated. The Highland family will greatly miss Jim.
Sending our condolences to the Allen family. My first memory of Mr.Allen was in grade 5 at Parkhill West Williams. Coach Allen , Ray Hughes, and John Micheilsen were running a basketball clinic for future marauders. I was hooked from their enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. My most fond memories of NMDHS are the hours spent on the hardwood floor with Mr. Allen watching from his office door. He taught us how to be dedicated, hardworking and respectful. The impact he had on me is felt to this day, more than 20 years later. I had the privilege of coaching against him last year knowing he has forgot more than I
know. I recently ran into him at a Westminster tournament where we shared a hug and a nice visit. The influence he has had on the Marauder Nation is unmeasurable. Just look around the Thames Valley region and see how many former Marauders are teaching and coaching. It was only a few weeks ago I travelled to Cornwall with the Marauder Senior Girls telling them stories of Ottawa 1993. What you have taught me is being passed on to the future!
“Marauder Strong Coach”
Sincerely
Mark Cadman and Family
Jim made an incredible contribution to the community through the London Sports Council, Hall of Fame, and Kidsport.! He will be missed by all.! Our condolences to his family.!
My deepest sympathy goes to Jim’s family. He was a great man and he constantly set the bar high on the basketball scene. From rival to fellow coach and friend – rest in peace Coach Allen.
Al Campbell
We were so sorry to hear about Coach Allen’s passing; please accept our sincere condolences. We spent a whole lot of hours sitting in high school gymnasiums, watching our son play basketball under Jim’s guidance as the coach of the Banting senior boys basketball team. A few years later, Jim wrote a very gracious letter of reference for our son to include with his teachers college applications. Jim’s legacy of leadership, determination and commitment to teamwork is sure to live on in all the students and athletes he taught and coached!
Marsha and family. I cannot attend the memorial for Jim tomorrow night because of a commitment at Mount Hope but please be assured that our thoughts are with you at this time. Words are inadequate but respect is at the top of the list. Jim certainly got that as a champion sprinter, basketball and football coach, teacher and from his dedication to his students and KidSport. He was one of a kind and we’ll sure miss him.
So sorry for the lose in the Allen family. He was a great man. From a young age I couldn’t wait to get to high school and play for coach. And my ofsaa trip is still one of my favourite memory. He truly had a major influence in my life and many others. I pass his messages on to my girls all the time. Thanks coach, if not for you don’t know where I’d be today
My sincerest condolences to you Marsha, Lu Anne and Jamie. It is with much fondness that I look back on my days at NMDHS. I was very fortunate to have had the privilege of have Jim as a coach and mentor in football and basketball. He was a huge influence on my life. His players would run through a brick wall for him if they could. He is one of the main reasons I ended up an educator myself. Parkhill was a better place because of him.
My sincerest condolences to you Marsha, Lu Anne and Jamie. It is with much fondness that I look back on my days at NMDHS. I was very fortunate to have had the privilege of have Jim as a coach and mentor in football and basketball. He was a huge influence on my life. His players would run through a brick wall for him if they could. He is one of the main reasons I ended up an educator myself. Parkhill was a better place because of him.
My sincerest condolences to you Marsha, Lu Anne and Jamie. It is with much fondness that I look back on my days at NMDHS. I was very fortunate to have had the privilege of having Jim as a coach and mentor in football and basketball. He was a huge influence on my life. His players would run through a brick wall for him if they could. He is one of the main reasons I ended up an educator myself. Parkhill was a better place because of him.
Your in my thoughts and prayers
“Hey kiddo, what’s happenin’?” I will never forget the distinct sound of his voice when we spoke and it will forever ring in my ears. A true mentor to me. A mentor to many. I always looked up to Coach Allen. He will be forever missed and I will always remember his kind spirit, his positive words, his understanding ears and the way he always made everyone feel like they were the only one in the room. One of a kind xoxo
Jim was an amazing colleague, coach and genuine human being. He made a huge difference in the lives of so many. We couldn’t have asked for a better role model and mentor for so many coaches, teachers, athletes, teenagers and children in our community.
Even in Jim’s retirement, he continued to make a huge contribution through coaching and with the Kidsport Foundation. He was always showing leadership, in sportsmanship, both on and off the playing field.
Banting Secondary School loved Jim Allen. Thank you for the many wonderful years of selfless devotion to our programs and for helping our kids.
You had a very deep and beautiful voice. It is not silent. We will continue to hear your voice through your legacy; in those you have helped, and in those that you have loved.
Sandy Cooper-Ryder & Joe Ryder
Banting Secondary School Department Head (Retired0
Head Coach – London Legion Track & Field Alliance
I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to play basketball for Mr. Allen. The high expectations he had for his players were contagious. More importantly, though, he provided the guidance, skills and encouragement to enable you to achieve them. The lessons learned both on the court and off have helped so many students achieve success in so many different ways. Mr. Allen’s impact will continue to be felt for a long time. My condolences to the Allen family for the loss of such a great man.
Dear Marsha, LuAnne, Jamie and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of an extraordinary man. He was much more than a teacher and coach, he was a mentor and friend. I am so grateful for having a positive influence like Coach Allen as a part of my life. He will be missed but remembered with pride and admiration.
While I didn’t know Jim personally, having read these wonderful tributes to him I can’t help thinking what a shame that was! I am truly blessed with the friendship of his sister Shelley though and just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences at this time. As always my friend, you remain in my heart & in my prayers.
Dear Marsha and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I have such vivid and happy memories of you and Jim at Mom and Dad’s house in Parkhill. Lots of laughs and good times. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
Cheryl
To Marsha and the entire Allen family ….Jim was a kind and generous man…. A Giver…. never looking to take….London Sports, Indeed all of London, will miss him very much…..Rest In peace POGO Terry & June Provost
Mr. Allen was a great teacher and friend to all that new him. It just seems like yesterday that we were passing each other in the hall at NMDHS when I realize that I have a 33 year old daughter and came to my senses at how much older we have become in a short period of time. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
There are so many memories that come to mind when thinking about Mr. Allen. The impact that he had on all of his students and colleagues is incredibly remarkable.
The endless basketball tournaments, his requirement for detailed game stats, OELC, M.A.A, not to mention the late night bingo fundraisers all include many fond memories of Mr. Allen.
Mr. Allen was a man who continued to teach, long after we were his students. I had the pleasure of working closely with Jim at the London Sports Council and Kidsport. I am proud to say he was a teacher, a colleague and a friend.
The world was a better place because of Jim. He will be sadly missed, but the life lessons and memories will be cherished forever.
My sympathies to Marsha and the entire family at this time.
R.I.P big guy!
Marsha, LuAnne and Jamie, our condolences to you in loss of Jim. We have great memories of him as a coach and mentor through our years at North Middlesex. May your good memories carry you through this time as well.
Jim was my teacher, coach and friend. Thanks for so much.
My condelences to the Allen Family! Although I only knew Jim for a short period of time during his coaching/teaching at Westminster, I feel like I knew him as a life long friend. He truly was a genuine and kind person . Thanks for the laughs and the inspiration Jim!
Marsha, Jamie and LuAnne,
I wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Jim was an individual that I highly respected. I admired the leadership role that he played at OELC, and his commitment to coaching. I had the pleasure of coaching against Jim in basketball. Over the years I have worked with many struggling teams–but Jim would remind me that coaching and participation in sport is more about the development of character, and less about the numbers posted on a scoreboard. He will be missed.
Marsha and Family
My sincerest condolences to you and your family on Jim’s passing. Coach Allen was an instrumental figure in my time at NMDHS and his dedication to helping his players and students be better people on and off the sports fields is how I will remember him. The 1976 Junior Champion Football team was the highlight of my time at North Middlesex and Coach was always supportive and forever guiding. Whether he was barking at me for missing a snap count or giving a teen without a summer job one painting the trim on his cottage I knew he had my back. Forever a Marauder.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing man. I was a student at Banting Secondary School from 2008-2012. Mr. Allen talked me into playing basketball for him in my grade 11 year and I was awful, but he stood by me 100% and was an amazing coach and mentor. I looked forward to running into him at track meets through out my high school career and after when I came back to visit as an alumni. I will always remember him as the voice of track in London where he commentated many of the meets giving special shout outs to those students from schools he coached at. The world has lost a beautiful soul who was dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of you people.
Thank you Mr. Allen.
Dear Marsha & family. I was SO sad to hear Mr. Allen passed away!! Quite a few years after the school years, I ran into him & called him Mr. Allen, he said you know Donna, you can call me Jim! I just couldn’t!! I had too much respect for him as my teacher!! He truly was the BEST teacher!! I will certainly be praying for you, Marsha, Luanne & Jamie. Take care & God Bless
Hearing of Mr Allen’s passing has brought back many memories. I loved playing football for him. I thought of him many times when I was a coach myself. Deepest sympathy to Marsha, LuAnne, Jamie and family.
To the Allen Family Members;I can remember your dad being an intregal part of Central Highschool Sports fraternity as far back as September1968-June 1972 as I was the statistician for the Westminister Highscool Senior Football and Basketball teams under Mr.Peter Morningstar and Mr.Doug Marshall back in the day.As your dad stated in the above obituary our teachers also went above ths call of duty many times to help us young citizens of London to go on to rewarding careers and lives in the community and continue to prosper in our respective fields to this day,Thankyou teachers from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for this young senior of 61 years and counting.Keep up your great work for the current generations to follow us and lead us forward into our future pathways also in our chosen careers and total community involvement.May God Bless and keep your family safe and well always.Remember the many good times shared with your dad folks.God Bless you all.Brian Cross;Wedtminister Highschool Business Graduatej,September1968-June 1972.Keep on winning you Cental Golden Ghosts Sports Teams and truly make Mr.Allen smile from heaven okay from this day forward alright.Yours Sincerely Brian Cross,Customer Service Represenative,St Joesheph;s Healthcare London,Ontario(Parkwood Institute)site effective November 17,2014
When we were mere boys we played high-school football together at South Collegiate . It was always like we had just seen each other yesterday whenever we did happen to meet throughout the fleeting years. That was just Jim , making you feel great regardless of how much time had passed .You will be missed “Pogo”. Until we meet again . Joe Barnes
Marsha and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s untimely passing. He was a true gentleman and the epitome of class. I enjoyed every minute spent with him on the London Sports Council and Kidsport. Thinking of you all in your time of loss.