James "Jim" Allen, Jr.

James “Jim” Gilbert Allen, Jr., of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, died on January 15, 2023.  

Jim was born on July 7, 1936, to James Gilbert Allen and Bonnie Virginia Allen, in Guthrie, Oklahoma.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce, his loving wife of 66 years, and his sister, Glenda Martin.  

He is survived by his son Jimmy Allen, his son Scott Allen and daughter-in-law Leslie Allen.  He is also survived by grandchildren Cassi, Abbey, Riley and Anna and great grandchildren Luca and Nico.

Jim attended school in Tecumseh where he was a star baseball, football and basketball player, in addition to editing the school newspaper. He met his future bride, Joyce, at the age of 15, at the Pine Movie Theater.  After high school, Jim worked for Halliburton. Joyce graduated and she and Jim married. Jim also served in the Oklahoma National Guard. He left Halliburton for a job with OG&E, as his new bride did not like him driving a dynamite truck for Halliburton. He started with in the warehouse, sweeping and keeping it clean. Jim advanced at OG&E, rising to vice president of the northwest region of OG&E, located in Enid, Oklahoma.  Jim retired from OG&E in his mid-50s and subsequently worked in the accounting/billing department of the Enid newspaper.  After retiring from there, he and Joyce moved to Midwest City where Joyce's sisters lived. Jim and Joyce lived in Midwest City until March 2020 when they moved to assisted living in Broken Arrow to be close to Scott Allen, Jim’s youngest son, and Scott’s wife, Leslie.

Jim was a great husband, father, grandfather, and person. He loved his wife, mother and father, children and grandchildren very much. Jim helped coach many of his sons’ teams as they grew up, positively touching many lives.  He loved his children when they didn't feel lovable, guided them, mentored them.  He was a stable rock for his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Most of all, Jim loved his wife of 66 years.  His heart broke when Joyce died on July 31, 2022. Though not the wealthiest man, though not a powerful man, he was the best man and worked hard, loved his wife and loved his family. 

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2023 and continue through service time.  Jim's service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh, OK.  Burial will follow where Jim will be laid to rest at Tecumseh Cemetery on the day before Joyce's birthday. He would be pleased. Please join the celebration of Jim’s life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.