Obituary: James 'Jimmy' Allen

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[James "Jimmy" Allen was born Jan. 2, 1941, in Broughton. Jim was the fourth of six children born to Frank and Lorene Allen and he spent his early years working on the farm and playing in the fields with his siblings and friends.

Jim was a proud member of the IBEW Local 701 and after a long and fulfilling career bringing light to people's lives, he retired in the 1990s.

In later years, Jim looked forward to moving back "down south" and he was able to fulfill that dream to be settled close to home again and get reacquainted with family and dear old friends.

Those who knew Jim knew that his passion for toys (boats, cars, trucks, campers, scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and tractors) was second only to his family and grandchildren. He always had a smile and a joke for them and some of his fondest moments were of his grandchildren following him around the house wearing matching tool belts and bib overalls. He was so proud of "his boys."

Jim passed away Sept. 10, 2011, preceded in death by his wife, Linda; and two brothers, John and Ray Dean Allen. Jim is survived by his loving daughter, Kim Galleher; son-in-law, Blaine Galleher; two grandsons, Conner and Brett Merboth; two sisters, Beth Silva and Shirley Swanson; a brother, Robert; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends.

Jim's family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the wonderful people in his life; know that you all meant the world to him.