It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Kenneth Allen, known affectionately as Jim, at the age of 82. Jim was born on January 23, 1942, in Auburn, Nebraska, and he passed away on September 4, 2024, in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Jim was united in marriage to Charlotte Wenzl on October 26, 1968 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska. This union was blessed with five children.

Throughout his life, Jim wore many hats. He served his country in the Vietnam War, displaying courage and dedication as a veteran. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, contributing to his community and society in meaningful ways. He worked 31 years at Campbell’s Soup Co. before he took an early retirement and went on to work 10 more years at Exmark Manufacturing Co. Inc. when he retired to enjoy time with family. Jim’s skills as a mechanic were well-known, and he generously shared his knowledge with others. He would also spend many hours gardening, cultivating food in his backyard that fed his family of seven.

Jim joins his beloved parents Harold and Helen (Millhouse) Allen; along with his sisters Francelia Henne and her husband, Gerald; Carlene Mattox and Barbara Walker and his brother Ray Allen and his wife, Jackie.

He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte (Wenzl) Allen; his children Jeffery Allen and partner, Terri McKee; Joanne Allen; Paul Allen and wife, Heather; Twila Allen and partner, Jessica Lindholm and Vanlora Allen. He was a cherished grandfather to eight grandchildren, Abagail Allen and partner, Scotty Campbell Nelson; David Allen and partner, Jennifer McGowan; Brianna Allen and partner, Nathan Longwell; Caleb Allen; Felicity Allen; Garett Allen; Jacob Carver; and Wyatt Carver, with two bonus grandson’s Derek McKee, his wife Adriana and family; and Ethan Jackson, along with his three great-grandchildren, Lillian Nelson, Roman Allen, and Spencer Longwell, who brought immense joy to his life, sisters Mary (Allen) Haack and husband, Raymond and Helen (Allen) Ballue and husband, Robert; brother-in-law and best man, Harley Mattox, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The pallbearers were David Allen, Brianna Allen, Jacob Carver, Wyatt Carver, Caleb Allen, and Garett Allen, a fitting tribute to his legacy. In his quiet strength and unwavering love for his family, Jim will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. His legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Mass of Christian Burial Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church, in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Christopher Kubat officiating. Fran Herrick, organist, accompanied congregational hymns, “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “ Hail Mary Gentle Woman” and “America The Beautiful.” Interment was in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with full military honors by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the Tecumseh VFW Post #8221 and American Legion Post #2. Memorials may go to the Alzheimer’s Association. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.