James Edwin (Jim) Allen of Sheridan, Arkansas, passed away at his home on February 2, 2014. James was born September 14, 1941, in Sheridan, Arkansas, to the late Aubrey Allen and Mildred Edwards. He spent most of his life in Sheridan and Grant County, with a short move to Rolla, Missouri, where he worked for the Geological Survey. He was a member of the Sheridan unit of the Arkansas National Guard for seven years. James retired from Reynolds Metals Company in Bauxite, Arkansas, in 1984. He then went to work for a friend at Pak-Plaza Gun & Pawn shop. This was a dream job for him and he made many new friends while there.

James was an avid gun and ammunition collector. His favorite pastimes included attending gun shows all over the state of Arkansas, visiting with his fellow gun-loving friends, deer hunting, and spending time with some of his favorite friends and family members at the Allen Hunting Club, of which he served as long-time president and was affectionately known as "Deacon." He loved being a grandfather, and especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to handle and shoot guns and taking them deer hunting.

James was a lifelong member of First Landmark Baptist Church of Sheridan, Arkansas. He attended regularly until recently and loved his pastor, Bro. Shawn Hill.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Joey Allen, and Mildred Edwards.

James is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Allen of Sheridan, AR; his daughter, Donna Lankford (Lane) of Sheridan, AR; granddaughter, Hayley Lankford of Little Rock, AR; and grandson, Jacob Lankford of Sheridan, AR. He is also survived by stepsons, Leon Fleming of the Ico community and Kevin Fleming of Sheridan, AR; stepdaughter, Tresa Clark, of Sheridan, AR; step grandchildren Lauren Fleming, Ashley Fleming, Ryan Fleming, Haven Fleming, and Stephanie Clark; and two step great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Linda Naylor (Joe) of Watson Chapel, Arkansas; brother Tom Allen (Dianne) of Sheridan, Arkansas; step sister Rhonda Harris of Sheridan, Arkansas; nephews Joey Naylor (Christy) of Dallas, Texas; Matthew Naylor of Little Rock, Arkansas; nieces Lindsey Stanton (Joel) of Sheridan, Arkansas; Jamie Martin (Nathaniel) of Denver, Colorado; Brandi Jackson of Sheridan, Arkansas; and Cami Harris of Sheridan, Arkansas; numerous great nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at Memorial Gardens Chapel with Bro. Shawn Hill officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2014, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately following the service at Bethel Cemetery in the Shiloh community.

Pallbearers will be Gary Allen, Dennis Allen, Rabbit Jackson, Mark Allen, Doc Highsmith, Buck Allen, Richard Henry and John Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be James Johnson, Steve Pakis, Bill Morgan and Jim Gray.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: Arkansas Hospice, The American Cancer Society, or First landmark Baptist Church.

All family and friends will be welcomed at the home of Donna & Lane Lankford, 1397 Frank Clark Road, Sheridan. The family would like to thank Dr. Mariann Harrington and the staff of Little Rock Hematology/Oncology, Dr. William Highsmith and his staff, and the nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice for their compassionate care. A special thank you to Bro. Shawn Hill for all the time and spiritual support he provided.