James Francis Allington

James Francis Allington, age 80 of Knoxville, died Sunday, October 8, 2017 at U.T. Medical Center. He was born January 29, 1937 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was the son of the late Fredrick Joseph and Julia Agnes Bray Allington. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister Jean; brother, Ed and his first wife, Mary Anne Alsup Allington. He grew up on the family farm in Saginaw and at the age of 19, joined the U.S. Army. It was then that he met and married his first wife Mary who was in the Air Force. After ten years in the Army, he came home from the service and became a postal worker and manager of a truck stop here in Tennessee. Jim was an active member of the Volunteer Ministries and Habitat for Humanity. He was a man of his word, a straight-shooter. His kind and generous spirit never turned away someone in need of help. His son, Stephen, called him "Mr. Fix-It" because he could do anything. He loved family, home, country music and the kindness of Southern hospitality. Jim has an amazing love and understanding of animals, birds and nature. He was a history buff especially of World War II. He loved and could quote anything from the Bible. He had a wonderful sense of humor which made his stories of the past so interesting. He saw his journey through life as "onward and upward". That's why on his bucket list he yearned to be a pilot." I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out my hand and touched the face of God" - World War II Pilot's Prayer- Jim is survived by his son, James Stephen Allington; wife of six years, Colombe G. Gelinas Allington; brothers, William Allington and wife Theresa, Richard Cocquyt and wife Teri; step-daughter, Elisa Martinetti; grandchildren, Rosa Mae Allington, Timothy and Rebecca Martinetti; great-grandchildren, Lilie Mutta, Theodore Allington, Dorothy Copeland, Janice and Nicholas Jackson; his close and loving friend, Cynthia Mutta and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Thursday at Weaver Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, 10:00 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Lyons View Pike at 1:45 pm for a 2:00 pm committal service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Catholic Charities or to Habitat for Humanity. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home.