James Bryant Allard

James Bryant “Jim” Allard died enveloped in love in the early morning hours of September 7, 2022, after many years of enduring the long goodbye of Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Norman, OK, on July 24, 1935, to Margaret Helen Schader Allard and Samuel Ernest Allard. His father Ernest died suddenly in 1949, and this trauma to the family shaped Jim for the rest of his life. On June 23, 1956, he married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Helpling Allard, and they had three children in five years.

He attended the University of Oklahoma but was unable to complete his degree as he needed to support his growing family. He stepped into and eventually owned Allard Cleaners; a dry-cleaning business started by his parents. Relationships with others came naturally to him, and he became a loved and respected businessman in downtown Norman. As he was an exceptional problem solver, his reputation grew as the man who could work wonders with treasured clothing that needed his care. He could save delicate items such as antique wedding dresses with his cleaning, pressing, and preservation talents. He also found time for building and flying model airplanes, photography, and reading, with a particular interest in the history of the American west. Always sensitive to context, he talked of both the hardiness of the European settlers and the resulting tragic impact on the indigenous peoples.

After retiring in 1999, he and Nancy enjoyed many years of traveling, particularly in the American southwest. In 2000, they purchased a condo in Angel Fire, NM, which became their second home until 2014. The condo was their retreat and a destination for numerous visits from family and friends, all enjoying the splendors of northern NM. He loved time with his family and many friends and was a gifted storyteller. He savored stories of the extraordinary things that seemingly ordinary people do, teaching all who listened that humans are endlessly fascinating and deserving of compassion through both their accomplishments and foibles.

Jim is predeceased by his parents and beloved wife Nancy. He is survived by two sisters, Karen Ann Allard of Lakewood, CO, and Jane Allard Childress of Norman, OK. He is also survived by his daughter Jami Briana Allard Boettcher and husband Bill, daughter Gretta Allard Tullius and husband John, son John Ernest Allard and wife Tammy. He has four grandchildren, Josh Tullius, Brian Allard, Cody Allard and wife Jordon, Hannah Tullius Alfaro and husband Evan, and four great-grandchildren.

For the years of care he received, we thank Dr. Tom Merrill and Pam Levy, and the staff at Arbor House Assisted Living. We also thank the staff at Arbor House Reminisce and TenderCare Hospice, particularly Alicia and Erika at Reminisce, his “girls” who tended him with skill, compassion, and grace. Jim led a life of kindness and service to others, in his distinctly gentle but foundational way. We ask that all who loved and knew him (and anyone reading this) to honor his memory by following his example with those in their lives. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to the Sierra Club.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Allard family.