James Jim David Allen , March 29, 1941 — February 11, 2018

James David Allen, 76, of Park Rapids, MN passed away on February 11, 2018 at Tidewell Hospice House in Brandenton, Florida, after a brief battle with mesothelioma. Jim was born on March 29, 1941 in Kettle River, Minnesota to James and Mae Allen. Jim attended Hermantown schools until the family moved t Duluth, MN, after his mother’s death.

He graduated from Duluth Central High School. Jim trained as a medic and spent time in the National Guard. He also worked for the railroad while… Read More » attending college.

He earned his BA degree in art education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and his Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. He was united in marriage to Diane Krueger on December 30, 1971 in Perham, MN. He took his first teaching position in the Park Rapids school system in 1969 and taught high school art until his retirement in 2000.

Jim enjoyed creating all mediums of art, hunting, fishing, carpentry and golf. He was a member of the Headwaters Golf Course and the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids, MN. For the past 12 years, Jim and Diane have spent winters in Sarasota, Florida.

There he enjoyed shuffleboard, golf and renovating his winter home. He is survived by his wife – Diane of 46 years, his two brothers- Bill (Helen) Allen of Sarasota, Florida; Gary (Julie) Allen of Saginaw, Minnesota; his sister – Corrine (Wes) Brush of Sarasota, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mae Allen, his sister – Margaret Gillapp, and nephew Cory Gillapp.

Jim will be remembered for his beautiful works of art, his ability to tell and remember jokes and his love for his family, friends and pets. A funeral service for Jim will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

His family suggest memorials in lieu of flowers, memorials to Headwaters Animal Shelter or a cancer charity of your choice.

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