James "Jim" Lee Allen

James Lee “Jim” Allen, of Kosse, passed away Friday, September 23, 2011, at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was 78. Visitation will be Sunday, September 25, 2011, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, September 26, 2011, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Mike Bergeron officiating. Burial will follow at the Kosse City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Johnson, Tom Morris, Damon Cook, Tommy Hayes, Ed Fraley, and Wes Suttle. Jim was born February 3, 1933 to Walter A. Allen and Reba Lavon (Studebaker) Allen in Houston. He grew up in Houston and graduated from Reagan High School, Class of 1952. After attending Texas A&M one semester, Jim joined the U. S. Navy in November 1952, where he served for four years. Jim had been a competition swimmer since seventh grade, and was an “All Navy” swimmer, and in charge of the Navy lifeguards. He received commendations from President Eisenhower for two lives he saved during his Navy years. After the Navy, he attended the University of Houston on a swimming scholarship, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Class of 1960. Jim then worked in the construction industry in Houston. Jim married Kay Elaine Slavens in Durant, OK on October 2, 1973. After traveling to the Kosse area visiting Kay’s family from 1978, they finally moved to their ranch in Kosse in 1983. He was a member of the Groesbeck American Legion Post #288, and a member of the Baptist faith. Jim and Kay were ranchers, and produced hay for their own use and for sale to the public. Jim was also employed as an appraiser with the Limestone County Tax Appraisal District from 1984 until his retirement in 1998. Jim always enjoyed being around young people, and the family hosted foreign exchange students on three occasions, who still remain their adult friends now. He enjoyed fishing at his ranch, bird watching, and especially loved playing with and picking on his grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his father and a son, Lesley Paul Denby. He is survived by his wife, Kay Allen of Kosse; his mother, Reba Lavon Allen, of Cedar Park; his daughter, Kari Allen of Valley View; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Don Coker of Cypress; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and four more great grandchildren new to the family. He is also survived by his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Lois Allen of Porter, and Lynn Allen and wife Dora of Cedar Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Jim’s memory to Providence Hospice, at 107 E. Commerce, Mexia, TX 76667.