Born on December 7, 1944, in Waveland, Indiana, James Butler Allen attended Kingman High School in Kingman, Indiana. He proudly served for three years in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served with the Fifth U.S. Army as a trumpet player. He later went on to build a successful career as a machinist. Among his many professional and engineering accomplishments, one of his greatest was his work at UT Health Science Center, where he assisted Dr. Julio Palmaz in the development of the balloon-expandable stent.
James was an avid runner and participated in many marathons over the years. Even later in life, he remained active and enjoyed taking daily walks. He also loved gardening and took great pride in his many flower, vegetable, and fruit gardens. He understood that real growth took time and patience, and that each season required different care. He was always eager to share the fruits of his labor with family and friends.
James was also an avid numismatist and coin collector who enjoyed learning about and sharing the history of currency. On the day he passed away, James made one final trip to look for coins for his granddaughters, a fitting reflection of both his lifelong curiosity and his love for them.
James is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann Diosdado Allen; his son, David Allen and daughter-in-law, Stephanie; his beloved granddaughters, Maudie, Cassiana, and Luzelena Allen; his brother-in-law, David Anthony Diosdado (Elise); and his nephew and nieces, Joseph Edwin Flint, Charlotte Flint, and Delicia Cushing (Seth) and his spirited dog, Frida. He was preceded in death by his father, Veron C. Allen; his mother, Pauline M. Allen; his sister, Carolyn G. Flint; and his nephew, David “DJ” Diosdado.
James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A man of faith, he touched many lives and found joy in serving others, including volunteering on the welcoming committee at Promiseland Church in San Marcos, Texas.
James will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his curiosity, and the care and patience he brought to the things he loved: whether tending a garden, collecting a piece of history, or simply spending time with those who mattered most to him.
The family wishes to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary, located at 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX, 78212. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. James will be laid to rest at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, TX, 78209 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1:15 PM.
