Jack B. Allen

Jack B. Allen passed away on March 7, 2017. He was born in Norwich, CT on September 25, 1925. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Phillips) Allen to whom he had been married for 60 years. He is survived by his son, Mark S. Allen, his wife, Sharon, and grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Penny, Dee Ann and Kimberly. Jack attended the Laurel Hill and Broadway Grammar Schools and studied at Norwich Free Academy. He joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year and later used the G.I. Bill to attend the John Herron Art Institute of Indianapolis. He thought to become a commercial artist, but so enjoyed teaching on Saturday mornings at the Art School Museum, he decided that that was his calling. After further degrees from UConn and Butler University, he became an art teacher at Windham High School where he was beloved by all his students for the next 33 years. He also was a traveling art teacher in the Windham Public Schools and taught adult oil painting in the evenings. He painted murals and altar pieces in several Willimantic churches. Jack and Betty loved children so Jack created a miniature circus with twelve operating acts and for 20 years he and Betty operated that circus for the enjoyment of many groups and thousands of children.

When he retired from teaching in 1985, he was determined to do at least one painting a year, but actually did many more that now grace the homes of his family and numerous friends. He won many awards at art competitions, wrote and illustrated children’s books, coached archery and gave his time and attention to many worthy causes.

Jack and Betty lived out their strong faith as American Baptists, both at the First Baptist Church of Willimantic, and for many years at Central Baptist Church in Norwich. Jack will be sorely missed by his church family.

Jack died while a resident at Sheltering Arms and he was always grateful for the happiness brought to him by the exceptional staff and the other residents. He will always be remembered by the countless number of students and others who were touched by his and Betty’s faith and optimism.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Jack B. Allen will be held at Central Baptist Church, 2 Union Square, Norwich, CT 06360 on Saturday, March 18th at 11:00AM. Memorial donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, marked in memory of Jack and Betty Allen. A private graveside service at Brewster’s Neck Cemetery will be held at the discretion of his family.