Obituary of James M. Allen

Of Waukesha, died on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Manor Care Health Center surrounded by his loving family at the age of 77 years. He was born on February 10, 1937 in Wauwatosa, the son of Robert and Lucille Allen. He married Dolores (Buchholz) on May 18, 1955 in Milwaukee and shortly after proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years. When returning, he completed his degree in Political Science at Marquette University where he was an eight time letter winner while competing in track and cross country for the Warriors. He taught at Mukwonago High School and Oak Creek High School and also relocated to Germany with his family to teach as a Fulbright Scholar for one year. In 1972, he joined Northwestern Mutual as a financial representative in Waukesha. Within his over 36 years of his career, a huge part of his success came from his genuine caring and ability to build and maintain longtime friendships with his clients. Simultaneously, he was named head track and cross country coach at Marquette University where he was instrumental in rebuilding the programs. During his eleven year period coaching he impacted the lives of over 500 student athletes. He received numerous awards culminating with his induction into the Marquette Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2005, Jim's former athletes created the James M. Allen Endowed Scholarship, that helps fund tuition for current student athletes. Jim was a longtime member and past President of the Waukesha Kiwanis Club. He founded the Key Club and the Waukesha Youth Track Club. While President of the Marquette Letterman's Club, he was the driving force behind the fundraising efforts to build the "Bus" Shimek Memorial Track and Field Facility. Jim was a member of St. William Catholic Church and active in the choir. He was passionate about running, music, sports and travel. More than anything he loved spending time with his wife and family. Jim will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Dolores; his children, Cristine (Gary Nevermann) Mikkalson, Todd (Carol), Jamie Brady and Kevin (Jane); his grandchildren, Jessica (Christopher), Ashley (Jason), Jennifer, Taylor (Nick), Justin (Claire), Collin, Jake, Katy, Riley and Cameron; four great grandsons, Austin, Drew, Jack and Finn; brothers, William (Edith) and Thomas (Zita); sisters-in-law, Joyce and Linda (Dan); other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Jerry. The visitation for Jim will be held on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha, WI 53188. The Rev. Curt Frederick will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Wisconsin Parkinson's Assoc., 945 N. 12th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233 or the James M. Allen Endowed Athletic Scholarship (Marquette.edu/giveonline).