James Allen

Allen, James Patrick "Jim" Saginaw Twp., Michigan Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the age of 97 years. James Patrick Allen was born on June 22, 1921 in Jackson, Michigan, living the rest of his life in Saginaw. He graduated from Saginaw High School and went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone and at this time he met and fell in love with Valeta Rose Bodrie. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he, like many young people, joined the armed services. As a Marine he participated in several major campaigns, including Tarawa, Marshall Islands (Tinian, Saipan) and Okinawa with the 2nd Marine Division. Jim then returned home to Valeta Rose. They were married on July 24, 1945 and celebrated 53 years of marriage together and raised 7 children. Family was full of life, love, faith in God and each other. Valeta Rose passed away at the age of 73 on March 21, 1998. He worked as a Teletype repairman at Michigan Bell Telephone for 43 years. After retirement he continued to be active in Telecommunications Family Credit Union (Wildfire) and the Michigan Bell Pioneers. He worked many events such as the Corn Roast, annual golf outings and at Christmas, coordinated gifts to families in need. He was well known for his witty sense of humor, storytelling and emceeing special events. He had a knack for grilling. Saturday nights were hamburger night for large groups of family and friends, everyone was welcomed. He loved golf and watching Notre Dame Football games with his grandchildren. Grampa Allen was well known at all the school and sports events of his grandkids and was Grandpa to many. Jim spent his later years with a very special person in his life, Rosemary Glick. They were blessed with many good years of love and companionship. He is survived by his children: Patrick (Kathy) Allen, Michael(Elizabeth) Allen, Kathleen (Lee) Ostrander, Kelly (Fred) Castillo, Shannon (Craig) Bishop, Mary (Jim) Green, Melissa (Jon) Stewart; grandchildren: Kevin, Jason (Pamela), Jeremy (Tina), Kimberly (Angelo), Scott, Aaron (Sookie), Erica (Danny), Sean, Sarah Beth, Melisa, Katie, Todd, Kellen (Lydia), Tyler, Stephanie (Ken), Molly (Chris), Jonathan (Nikki) and Tristan (Jessica); great grandchildren: Jonathan, Joseph, Owen, Tatum, Brodie, Eva, Michael, Hannah, Sean, Sora, Ruby, Finn, Matthew, Shae, Sophie, Griffin, Charlie, Charlotte Mary, Rose, Jace, River James and two additional great-grandchildren expected soon; sister-in-law, Dawn Deisler. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Letha (Bradley) and Floyd Allen; wife, Valeta Rose Allen; daughter-in-law, Lee Allen; son-in-law, Fred Castillo; grandson, Brett Castillo; brother, Frank Allen. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw MI 48607. Rev. Fr. Jack Johnson will officiate. Burial and military honors will be under the auspices of the United States Marines and American Legion Post #439 will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will share memories and stories on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Rescue Mission of Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com