James R. Allen

James Ray Allen passed away March 7, 2017 following a prolonged illness. He was 85 years old.

A graduate of Granite High School, James served in the US Navy for nearly four years during the Korean War before receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma.

Known simply as “Coach” to those who knew him best, James was an avid lover of all sports. His 30-year career in secondary education allowed him to pursue his true passion, coaching. He began at Harding High School in Oklahoma City during the late 1950s until the late 1960s. During that time, he also served as the Midwest City YMCA coordinator for Little League Baseball for ten years. After a year at Mustang High School, James began teaching at Northeast High School for several years until he retired in 1987.

James was the personification of one who “never met a stranger.” His friendly nature and sense of humor endeared him to everyone he met. Most will remember him as an avid golfer who meticulously tended his lawn to keep it looking like a putting green. He planned vacations around certain golf tournaments and professed to playing golf on “every day that ends with a ‘y.’” As a loyal OU fan, James was honored at OU with the “Sooner Salute” for having not missed a home game since 1954. He placed an equal priority on work, never missing a day, and lived his life with a quiet integrity that made him a role model for his children, his students and players, as well as countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

James is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Lola Allen, and his brother, Jackie Allen, all of Granite; and by his sister, Ollie Hatchett, of Mangum. He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Colleen, of Norman. He is also survived by his children, Jim Allen, of Edmond, and his wife, Laurie; Robin Allen Shaw, of Yukon, and her husband, Greg; and Lauren Allen Hammack, of Oklahoma City. He is further survived by seven grandchildren – Michael Allen, Andy Allen, Reynolds Hammack Wallis, Cana Shaw, Templin Hammack, Amanda Shaw, and Jennings Hammack; and one great-grandson, Blake Allen.