James Allen to be remembered by those who knew him best [Jackson Advocate]

"Are the papers ready yet?" was the weekly call by James Allen, Jr., to the Jackson Advocate. Even when he was unable to pick up copies of the Jachon Advocate to deliver to area senior citizen centers, Allen made sure they reached their destination. It was an oath the Yazoo County, MS, native made to his mother, the late Pearl Mitchell Allen, who did the same thing for countless years. Now that task falls to Allen's son, Michael. Allen died Saturday, May 11, 2013. He was 76.

James was a loyal son, a loyal friend, a lover of photography and a seasoned world traveler. He will be remembered in word and in song on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 12 noon at the Rose E. McCoy Building on the campus of Jackson State University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Billy Broomfield Men's Shelter (1244 S. Gallatin St, Jackson, MS) or The Johnnie Champion Community Center (1355 Hattiesburg St., Jackson, MS).

Lifelong friends, humanitarian/comedian Dick Gregory and Coach Marino Casem, shared thoughts on their fallen comrade.

"James had a wonderful life. He was a kind human being and a good example of what a universal Christian brother should be," stated Gregory. "We came up to gether during the Civil Rights Movement, and helped integrate hotels. It's nice to be able to say that James died of natural causes" because we easily could have died at the hands of others.

Gregory recalled visiting Allen in Jackson a few years ago. He said when they arrived at the once segregated King Edward Hotel, he was greeted with a sign that read: "Welcome, Dick Gregory, Room 702." Allen also took Gregory to the Governor's Mansion. Another special moment was when Gregory noticed a roadblock up ahead. "I asked James what was going on. He said it was for me. Two black state troopers greeted me. It was better than watching any movie I've ever seen just sitting there watching it all unfold," he said.

Someone who talked to Allen at least four times a week is Coach Marino Casem. "James was a man of the world. He visited South Africa, South America, Portugal, Senegal, and so many other places. I will always remember his words - 'Life doesn't owe me anything. I've lived the life I loved, and loved the life I lived.' A person only gets one or two true friends in life. James was a true friend. He didn't tell me what I wanted to hear. He told me what I needed to hear."

Casern said Allen was well-rounded. "He went from being a bus driver in Chicago to selling insurance in Jackson, to being a world photographer, to being a master financial advisor. I am shocked that he is gone," said Casem, who talked to Allen the night before he died "It was about 6 p.m. He told me he was tired and was going to take a nap. I told him I'd talk to him tomorrow."

A graduate of Jim Hill High School, Allen served in the United States Army, earned his bachelor's degree from Jackson State College, and completed several law courses at Jackson School of Law. Professionally, James taught in the Chicago Public Schools, worked at Pearl Beer Company and Southern Beverage Company, each of Jackson, MS. However, the majority of his professional years were spent as a financial advisor with AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company, securing a number of clients throughout the United States. He also held different political appointments and served on various boards.

Immediate survivors are: daughter, Melba Frances Allen of Baton Rouge, LA; son, Michael Marcellus Allen of Jackson, MS; former wife, Yolande Fontenot Allen; three grandchildren; two sisters, Mitchell Pearl Purdy and Cecelia Dorsey; and countless professional colleagues, acquaintances, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one son, James Allen, III.

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

Jackson Advocate Publisher