James "Jim" W Allison II

James “Jim” W Allison II, age 83, of Fleming Island, Florida passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia to the late Edwin and Josephine Allison. He retired from the US Air Force as a M.Sgt. and served his country with dedication and honor.

Jim graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1960 and shortly after enlisted, served, and retired from U.S. Air Force as a Flight Engineer after 20 faithful years of service. He completed multiple tours during the Vietnam War and was also part of the Hurricane Hunters which is the only unit in the Department of Defense tasked with flying into tropical storms and hurricanes to collect vital weather data that improves storm forecasting. Jim’s military career was full of amazing accomplishments, of which included Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, Philippine Republic, and Air Medal among many others. After his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he worked as aircraft inspector for the US government.

Jim was an avid football fan, with a particular passion for both the NFL and college football. Whenever Miami was playing, you could always find him sitting in front of the television, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. In the week following a game, Jim's conversations would often revolve around the details of the game and what could be done to improve the team's performance. His passion and dedication to football were truly infectious, and it's no surprise that both of his daughters grew up to be avid football fans as well.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rita L. Allison and two daughters: Cynthia Leo of Middleburg, FL and Christine Lentini of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Jim was a proud and loving grandfather to his 3 grandchildren: Brittany Lentini, Alexis Lentini and Haley Leo. He was the beloved oldest brother to: Dr. Barry Allison and wife Debbie and William Allison and wife Phillis and to a host of extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Burdette Allison, his mother, Josephine Barrett Allison (Watson), and his sons James W Allison III and Douglas Allison.

Memorial Services will be held 11 AM, Friday September 12th, 2025 at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Full Military Honors will be administered at the conclusion of service. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.

Jim’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made in Rita's honor to the Alzheimer's Foundation at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate