James E. Allen Jr.

James E. Allen Jr., World War II and Korean War veteran, retired, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Casa Del Sol Nursing Home. Mr. Allen was born April 21, 1927, in Watertown, Tennessee, to Eli and Lellie Allen, the fourth of five children. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Flo, of the home. Survivors also include his sister Erma Wilson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a brother Riley Allen and his wife Mary of Lebanon, Tennessee as well as several nieces and nephews. He will also be very much missed by his close friends, Dave and Joy Schuhmann of Las Cruces. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Ruby Frances Murphy and Louise Patterson. Mr. Allen served in the United States Navy from May 26, 1945 until June 6, 1946, in the South Pacific. He joined the US Army on April 30, 1948 and retired from active duty on January 31, 1968, as a Sergeant First Class. While at Ft. Bliss, Texas he was a pioneer in the NIKE Missile Systems. He was later employed by Raytheon Corporation in El Paso, Texas. He also taught at the El Paso School of Electronics. The Allen's moved from El Paso to Elephant Butte, New Mexico, in 1982. They have lived in Las Cruces since 1995. Mr. Allen was a member of American Legion Post 75 in Watertown, Tennessee from 1946 to 1947. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Yorktown, Virginia from 1949 until 1951. He has been a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 11 in T or C since 1985 and the American Legion. At Jim's request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Those wishing to honor his memory should donate to their favorite charity or the American Legion of DAV. PDF Printable Version