John Austin Allen

John was born on April 27, 1984 in Alamance, NC to his parents, Lester Allen and Margaret Campbell. John’s career spanned the art of movement, including instructing Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, preparing fighters for competitions ranging from first foot in the ring to UFC title fights, earning a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and studying strength and conditioning to optimize performance within Olympic weightlifting and martial arts. As an instructor, John focused on body mechanics so that individuals could tailor their sport of interest to their physical structure. Coaching allowed John to help people reach potentials they were unaware they could attain both physically and mentally. John previously competed in mixed martial arts and grappling.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester Allen and Margaret Campbell.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife, Annette Bodenheimer, and their pets Lou and Smokey; two brothers — Kenneth Martin and Alan Gardner; and two sisters and their children — Zelvia Franks and John’s nieces Brittany Wilkins and Tiffany Wilkins, and nephew Alexander Jones, and Elizabeth Martin and John’s niece Sabrina Martin.

A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at Apex Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM, followed by a reception with light refreshments.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be donated to Mastiff to Mutts and/or We Defy Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within "Add a Memory" for the Allen family.