James William Allen

James William Allen, 81, passed away on October 13, 2025 with his loving wife Kathy by his side. Those who knew Jim best (life-long friends called him Jimmy) would say he was generous, smart, fun-loving and wise. An extremely successful businessman and entrepreneur, Jim launched, owned and managed several companies throughout his life, not only employing - but caring for - hundreds of people throughout his career. He married Kathy, the love of his life in 1988 and they divided their time between homes in Kirtland, OH and Naples FL. Jim and Kathy traveled the world together, and together they navigated life’s joys and challenges. Jim loved his family, his friends, and his Cleveland Browns. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, served in the United States Army, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin/Whitewater. Jim loved sharing a good laugh. He loved singing with his sister, brothers and cousins at family reunions. He loved building and stoking a good fire, and he was always in awe of beautiful sunsets. Jim enjoyed imparting wisdom and giving advice to the young people in his life. At one point later in his career, Jim sponsored a number of orphans from El Salvador, brought them to Ohio and employed them at his company. Two have become U.S. citizens and live in Cleveland. Jim’s generosity changed lives in ways that most people never saw, and the world will be a little less generous, a little less bright, and a lot less fun, without him. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lisle and Virginia Allen, as well as his brother John. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Jennifer Coleman (Steven Allen) and Jamis Scott (Doug), grandchildren James, Spencer and Khayri, in-laws Debra and Wayne Cukras, Mark Meeks, Anna Meeks, Donna Atterbury, and Karen and Michael Meeks. He is also survived by his sister Gay Jackson (Jerry), brothers Jeff Allen (Sue) and Tom Allen (Patti), his Aunt Pat Allen, as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place in Cleveland Ohio next spring, with details announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Transplant Foundation, the only nonprofit in the country that provides educational, emotional and financial support to living donors, transplant recipients, and their families nationwide.

James William Allen

September 12, 1944 - October 13, 2025