James M. Allen

James M. Allen

Age 84, a lifelong resident of Northville, passed away November 3, 2021. He was born in Flint, Michigan; son of Austin Malcolm Allen and Inga Henrietta (Staman) Allen. He graduated in 1956 from Northville High School, where he served as class president. Jim was united in marriage to Patricia G. White on February 2, 1957; they spent 64 loving years together as husband and wife.

Following high school graduation, Jim went to work for his father at Allen Monuments in Northville. He continued the Allen legacy of assisting the Northville community when choosing monuments to help memorialize their loved ones. For decades he served as the Sexton at Rural Hill Cemetery, he retired from the position in 2014. Jim sold Allen Monuments in 1993 to dedicate his time as the first full time Fire Chief for the City of Northville. Chief’s loyalty to the community was apparent with his service to the city. In 1964 he was hired onto the City of Northville Volunteer Fire Department; he became Assistant Chief in 1973 and Chief in 1978, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. Jim also served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Northville in the 60’s as well as serving in the Army Reserves. His life was devoted to serving the Northville community in many ways.

Jim was a past member of the Northville Rotary Club and a member of the Great Lakes International Antique Fire Apparatus Association. Chief owned a 1935 American LaFrance fire truck and enjoyed the muster competitions at Greenfield Village. His Sundays in the summer were spent with his family at their cottage on Lower Straits Lake. Jim liked to go fishing, golfing, and snowmobiling. He loved being a part of the Northville parades, working festivals for the NCFD, and supporting the downtown Halloween event. Jim was a compassionate, hardworking, and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Allen; his children, Scott (Dana) Allen and Shari Allen; his grandchildren, Heather Allen, Nicole “Nicki” Allen, and Justin Allen; and his furry dog companion, Pippa Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sharon Allen.

The Visitation will be held Friday, November 12, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., instate at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 217 North Wing Street, Northville. Pastor Jonathan Wilkes will officiate the service. Mr. Allen will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Explorers Post 1717, 215 West Main Street, Northville, MI 48167.