James Allen Jr.

VAN WERT, OHIO - James Elmer Allen, 70 died on September 19, 2021, at his residence. He was born May 5, 1951, in Van Wert County Ohio to James E. & Betty J. (Youtsey) Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Deanna K. (Larry P.) Oechsle. Survivors include brother-in-law Larry P. Oechsle, a niece Lori L. Straley, a great nephew Jonathan R. (Brittany) Straley and a great-great nephew Jaxon R. Straley. A great-great niece is expected in February 2022.
He was a graduate of Van Wert High School class of 1969. He played baseball & football while in school. After graduation, he worked for the City of Van Wert. After that, he worked as a tool & die maker for 47 years, first working for Pershing until they went out of business and then he worked at Teleflex in the toolroom for 30 years until they closed. He retired from Elmco Industrial Services in 2014.
In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, gunsmithing, arrowhead hunting and had passion for classic cars. He was a jack of all trades. In his younger years, he loved going camping in the Great Smokey Mountains and fishing in his canoe. He collected antiques and arrowheads.
Calling hours will be Thursday September 23rd from 4pm till 7pm.
His celebration of life will be on Friday September 24th at 11am with visitation an hour before the service with Pastor Greg Emerick officiating. Burial will be in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Paulding County, Ohio. Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Van Wert County Humane Society.