James Eugene Allen, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; and longtime resident of Indianola, passed on April 27, 2024 at the age of 90.

Jim was born on November 1, 1933 to George and Bernice Allen in Nevada, Iowa.  Jim graduated from Nevada High School in 1951.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran and served at RAF Upper Heyford, England.  He received a Bachelor degree from Simpson College in 1957 and a Masters degree from Drake University in 1958.

He worked for the Iowa Department of Corrections as a Psychologist and Assistant Superintendent at the Iowa Training School for Boys in Eldora and Superintendent of the Iowa Women's Reformatory in Rockwell City.  He was then an Associate Consultant for the Batten, Batten, Hudson & Swab Management Consulting Firm until 1970 when he began his 30-year career with Management Education Services, a management education and training firm he developed.  Jim traveled the country presenting management training seminars and various professional speaking engagements.  His Mission Statement – "To glorify God by building up people!"  Jim retired in 2000.

Jim was a 50-year Mason and member of Warren Lodge #53 of which he served as Worshipful Master.  He was a member of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Temple and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, of which he served as Past Director.

Jim enjoyed playing golf and recorded two hole-in-one shots, 34 years apart.  He played football two seasons for Simpson College and experienced the defensive lineman's dream – intercepting a pass for a touchdown.  Jim loved playing cribbage, cards, and the piano and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Jim and Dee (Goodwin) began their lives together in 1967.  Jim was a single Dad with three children and Dee was a single Mom with one child.  Jim & Dee were married 51 years and were active members of the United Methodist Church in Indianola.

Jim is survived by daughters Gwen (Randy) Goben of Edmond, Oklahoma; Peggy (Rick) Anderson of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, and Beth Cross of Elberton, Georgia; 6 grand children and 7 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters, Marge and Dorothy; his wife, Dee; and his son, Jason.

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held at 10:00 am, June 1st at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa.  Inurnment of his cremains will be in the Nevada Cemetery, Nevada, Iowa.  Many thanks to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa, where Jim spent his final years and to Iowa River Hospice.