James C. Allen
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James "Jim" Clayton Allen, 87, passed away on January 28, 2021 at Charlene Manor following a brief illness. Jim was born in Brattleboro, Vermont to Pearl B. (Chapman) Allen and Albert E. Allen,Sr. He was the husband of the late Lillian Dawe Allen.
Jim went to Northfield High School and graduated with the class of 1950 at the age of seventeen. He was proud that post graduation he went directly into the Air Force, requiring a waiver to enter underage. He served during the Occupation of Germany, stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, as an encoder/decoder, intercepting Russian intelligence and coding American messages. He served two years and was scheduled to return home, but reenlisted for an additional two years to serve in the Korean War in Landsburg, Germany.
Jim had many jobs throughout his life; delivering milk for Snows Dairy in Greenfield, working at Kinney's shoe store in Greenfield, as well as Hartwin Motors, Bostley Motors, and Millers Falls Tools to name a few. His two favorite jobs were working for the US Postal Service in Greenfield, MA and working as a car salesman at Spencer Brothers Ford in Northfield, MA.
Jim served on the Northfield Kiwanis, Northfield VFW where he was Post Commander from 1974-75. He was also a Mason until the time of his death. In later years he enjoyed singing with The Romeos, going to nursing homes and senior centers, bringing joy to others through singing.
He leaves his daughter Laurie (Allen) Shaw and her husband Bob of Northfield, his grandchildren Rob Shaw, and his wife Dr. Maisie (Joralemon) Shaw; Jeff Shaw and his wife Amy (Underwood) Shaw; Kelly (Shaw) Bennett and her husband Chris Bennett. He also leaves seven beautiful great granddaughters; Ella, Aylen, Avery, Eisley, Iliya, Olivia, and Braylin. Grampa was famous for his generosity, procrastination and his love of ice cream every night before bed.
In addition, he is survived by his brother Albert Allen and his wife Arletta; his sister Dorothy Arsenault and his sister Elizabeth Demski and her husband Steve as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Robert E. Allen; sister, Vera Barton; sister, Mary Miller, and her husband Eugene; brother, Richard Allen; and his sister, Marion Holbrook and her husband Richard. He was also predeceased by his sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson and her husband Bob (Mert).
Due to Covid-19,a burial and service will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to The Northfield Fireman's Fund, 93 Main Street, Northfield, MA 01360.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave, Northfield, MA is in charge of arrangements.
To send condolences please visit www.kidderfuneralhome. com