James Allen was born in Soperton, Georgia, on January 30, 1935. He spent his first seven years growing up on The Youngblood Plantation, working as a water boy for field workers. At the age of 7, his family migrated to Toledo, Ohio.

At the young age of 16, Mr. Allen enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on August 9, 1951. Serving as a helicopter flight crew chief, he traveled the world, visiting several countries, including Japan, Spain, Germany, and many more. While stationed in Hempstead Plains, New York, he met Inez Matthews and married her on March 5, 1964. Their marriage lasted 39 years. Mrs. Inez Allen preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his sister Janie Alexander.

Mr. Allen is survived by their three daughters, Inez Allen, Dr. Veronica Gerace (Dr. Gerald Gerace), and Jennifer Allen-Thomas (Harvest B. Thomas III). Mr. Allen is also survived by his four grandchildren Alexandria Gerace, Dominic Gerace, Morgan Gerace, and Madison Gerace (children of Dr. Veronica and Dr. Gerald Gerace) and a host of nieces and nephews .

In addition to his family, Mr. Allen is survived by three of his dearest friends, John Sominet and Charles Aragon, both with the Denver Sheriff’s Department, and Harold Hunt of the Georgia Club.

In 1962, Mr. Allen became a member of The Amazon Lodge No. 4 Masonic Lodge, in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Allen was also a member of the Georgia Club.

After serving 20 years in the USAF, Mr. Allen retired from the military and moved to Commerce City, Colorado in May 1971. During his transition from the military, Mr. Allen earned an Associate Degree in Business from Aurora Community College.

In June 1971, Mr. Allen was hired by the Denver Sherriff’s Department (DSD) where he worked for 23 years and retired in 1992. While employed with the DSD, he was promoted to Desk Sergeant and received several awards for his leadership. He is recognized as one of the Founders of the Denver Black Sheriffs Union, which still exists today.

In 1971, Mr. Allen and his wife, Mrs. Inez Allen, started a small family real estate business in which they purchased vacant lots, affordable homes, and apartments. Mr. and Mrs. Allen relocated homes to vacant lots, remodeled existing homes, and built new homes throughout Commerce City and Denver. The couple rented or sold new or newly remodeled homes to deserving families, most of whom could not qualify for traditional home loans. Throughout the years, Mr. and Mrs. Allen built, remodeled, or relocated over 40 homes in Commerce City and the surrounding area.

Mr. Allen was the first African American male elected to the Commerce City, City Council. In September 1994, he was appointed to a 6-month term on the Commerce City Council. Mr. Allen went on to win two consecutive 4-year terms as a Commerce City Councilman for Ward 4, which is now Ward 2.

While serving on the Commerce City Council, Mr. Allen was appointed to serve on the Commerce City Housing Authority. This appointment allowed him the opportunity to help garner grants, funding, and other resources for the citizens of Commerce City.

Throughout his many years of civic service, Mr. Allen was instrumental in bringing retail and chain restaurants to Commerce City. These include Walmart, McDonald’s, and others. He also helped to bring the first government sponsored residential solar homes to the community and helped secure grants and other awards for the city. He played a key role in bringing new buildings and facilities to the city, including the Buffalo Run Gulf Course.

In 2004, Mr. Allen was elected to a four-year term as a board member of the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District.

The Commerce City Council dedicated a new city park, The James Allen Family Park, in honor of Mr. Allen’s legacy of contributions to the community.

During their free time, Mr. and Mrs. Allen enjoyed traveling, raising livestock, fishing, and spending time with their family at their mountain home.