James Dale Allen 69, of Gillette, Wy, formerly of Carlsbad, NM, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 2nd 2019.

Jim was born on May 27, 1949, in Mountainair, NM to Robert Earl and Wilma Lavane (Hendrick) Allen. Jim was their second born. Taking his place as the only boy, after his big sister Bobbie Lynn (deceased) and before his very loved little sisters Suzan and Deb. The bond between Jim, Suzan and Deb was always unbreakable and even more so after the passing of their father in 1990.

During Jim's early childhood years the family relocated to Carlsbad, NM. Jim attended Carlsbad schools and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1967. After high school Jim enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Coral Sea as part of the medivac crew. He served three years in a combat zone in Vietnam.

In 1975 he met Sheila Weicshedel in Carlsbad, NM. They married in 1977 and together raised three boys. He was so proud of Aaron, James and David. They lived in Carlsbad, NM, Tooele, UT eventually settling in Gillette, WY where Jim worked in the mining and oilfield industries. Jim and Sheila divorced in 2003 but remained close friends until his passing.

Jim loved to hunt and fish and spent many hours in the mountains of Wyoming hunting elk. He also loved to fish and passed that love of the outdoors onto his sons. He took many trips with friends and his sons to hunt elk and would tell you all the stories if you asked. Jim was an avid reader and an amazing story teller. You never got bored when you sat and talked with Jim. But what made him the happiest in his retirement were his grandchildren. He spent hours with Austin and Hope in the cab of his Dodge and loved spending time with Hunter, Hayden and Heidi (who he was tickled to share his birthday with). Of course we cant forget Jim's sidekick, Lynard, the pug.

Jim is survived by his children, Aaron Allen (Christi) of Artesia, NM, James Allen (Heather) of Fredericksburg, VA, and David Allen (Stacey) of Gillette, WY; sisters, Suzan (Allen) Stambaugh and Deb (Allen) Gerend; grandchildren, Austin Dahlenberg, Austin and Hunter Leis, and Hope, Hayden and Heidi Allen; niece, Kristen (Stambaugh) Williams; and nephew, Nick Gerend.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilma; and sister, Bobbie Lynn Allen.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the American Legion in Gillette, WY on Wednesday, January 9th from 2-6pm.