James Edwin “Jim” Allen 78, Batesville, IN, passed away February 18, 2017. Jim was born November 16, 1938 in Knott County, KY, one of six children to Alonzo and Lettie Allen. The family moved to Milan, IN in 1946. Jim attended Milan elementary and graduated from Milan high school in 1956.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. While serving in the military, he was a member of the Special Forces Unit of the 101st Airborne Division. In his career, he parachuted 109 times. During the Civil Rights movement, he was one of the 101 st Airborne Division members assigned to escort the nine Little
Rock, Arkansas students into Central high school in 1957. Those memories never left him, and he remained in contact with the student he escorted. He is remembered in the book Warriors Don’t Cry, written by that student. He spent most of his military career in Hawaii and trained troops in jungle survival during his tour there. He was the personal assistant and driver to General Westmoreland. At General Westmoreland’s request, because of his training, Jim remained reserve ready for 10 years after his discharge. He attended the University of Hawaii while he was in the military, studying Russian and Communications. He was honorably discharged as a SGT on June 30, 1963.
In 1970, Jim and his wife, Leigh, opened Allen Real Estate in Aurora at the corner of US 50 and 350. A few years later, they purchased the Aurora Train Depot and continued the business for many years. Jim was very active and successful in the Real Estate Industry. He was President of the Southeastern IN Board of Realtors from 1971 to 1975, and again in 1985. He was the board’s Realtor of the Year in 1977. Jim also served 12 years as a State Director for the Indiana Association of Realtors. He was a founding member of SEIBR MLS. In the late 1990’s Jim retired from active Real Estate, and purchased a beautiful wooded site on SR 129 near Batesville where he built a retreat at the edge of the woods. He spent most of his later years there in the wooded area, surrounded by his childhood friends.
In 1965 Jim married Leigh Cochran. They have two sons, Patrick (Kelley) of Northern Kentucky, and Scott Allen of the Cincinnati area. He also has two grandsons, Hunter and Rowan. In addition to his sons, Jim has a very special nephew, Marion Allen, of Batesville, who watched over Jim and his needs. All of these loved ones survive Jim, including one sister, Zella (Richard) Leizear of West Union, SC, sister-in-law Virginia (David) Allen of Columbus, OH and June (Samuel) Allen of Batesville, and many nieces and nephews. His Mother, Father, three brothers and one sister preceded Jim in passing.
Jim donated his body to the UC School of Medicine for Science. The VA hospital had taken care of Jim for many years and his Doctor of 18 years was a Professor of Medicine at UC, Jim passed away at UC Hospital. His ashes will be returned to the family and per his request, will be taken to a stream in the Smokey Mountains. An open house will be held at his favorite restaurant, The Reservation in Milan, IN on March 12th from 3pm to 6pm, with a farewell at 4pm. A video of Jim’s life will be presented and comments are most welcome. Light food and beverages will be served. Jim was a big presence, with a happy and generous personality. He will be missed by his family and friends, but the memories of a very good man, who did many good deeds, will remain. Contributions may be made to Ripley County Humane Society, The Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, or any Veterans Organization.