James Barney Allen passed away on May 19, 2024 in Clinton, MS after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born on November 18, 1952 in Rolling Fork, MS. He is preceded in death by his mother, Barney Jean Allen and his father James Lonnie Allen. Jim was a lifelong resident who took pride in being very involved with and serving his community. He leaves behind his wife, Susan, his son James Christopher, his daughter Jennifer Reese, his grandsons Hunter Allen and Leighton Reese, his granddaughter Campbell Reese, his stepsons Ben and Josh Willig and his step grandchildren Harvey and Paige.
Jim was a career firefighter and paramedic in Clinton, MS and retired as a fire captain. In the mid-1980s, Jim, a pioneer in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), was instrumental in bringing the paramedic program to Central, MS where at the time, the only paramedic programs were on the MS coast.
Jim's greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was so proud of his son Chris, a great father who serves as Lt. Col in the military, his daughter Jennifer, a wonderful mother and talented interior designer. Jim's greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. He was dedicated to helping them experience the world by sharing his love of MS State Football, life and unique learning experiences.
Jim met his wife Susan while serving as president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (1996-1998). His love of adventure, travel and life led them to get married by Elvis in Vegas.
Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209 on Wednesday May 22, 2024 from 12PM-2PM immediately followed by chapel services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National EMS Memorial Foundations (emsmemorial.org) or Seasons Foundation (seasonsfoundation.org).
