James Allen

Graveside services for James will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, June 13, 2014 at Weaver Cemetery with Rev. Tom Friday officiating. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 pm, Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
James William Allen passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at his residence. He was born on April 29, 1939 in Sulphur Springs the son of Van Buren Allen, Jr. and Helen Ella McMahan. James was a retired hairdresser and entrepreneur. He owned many beauty shops, a cosmetology school, developed his own hair-care product line and won many awards in cosmetology competitions. James had many loyal customers that would travel long distances to wherever he was working. He loved being outside, working with his hands, and joking with his customers. James truly never met a stranger and was always interested in other people's stories. He will be sadly missed.
Survivors include: Daughters, Daveda Jo Hardin (Dan) of Lake Stevens, WA, Samantha Allen Denton of Dallas, Jamie Allen Bramlett (Doug) of Lucas; sons, James Betteridge of Los Angeles, CA and Paul "Flop" Sims of Tyler; mother, Helen McGaha of Lindale; sisters, Cathy Schnell of Lindale and Mary Anne Allen of Vidor; and brother, Mark Allen of Buna. He is further survived by 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, 1 nephew, many cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Van Buren Allen, Jr and brother, Tommy Allen.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to UT Tyler Health and Science Center or Compass Hospice.