Allen, James Eugene
James Eugene Allen (Jimmy), 78, of Lindside, WV passed away peacefully on Saturday September 26th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Lewisburg where he has resided for the last 11 years under the loving care of his daughter Heather, who selflessly dedicated herself to caring for him and ensuring his comfort and well-being.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, veteran, coach, farmer, and friend—but above all, he was a man of deep faith who loved his family and his God with his whole heart.
For 60 years, he shared a beautiful marriage with the love of his life, Sandra Allen. Their six decades together were a testament to love, commitment, faith, and devotion. She was his greatest earthly love and his constant companion. Their love for one another was evident to everyone who knew them and was one of the greatest examples he leaves behind.
He was drafted and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, carrying with him a spirit of service and sacrifice that remained a part of him throughout his life.
After his military service, God called him to ministry, and he answered that calling wholeheartedly. He had a genuine heart for people and spent 38 years serving as a pastor, ministering to countless individuals and families. His ministry began with a tent revival, where he founded Union Church of God. What began in a tent became a lasting ministry and a place where people could come to know God, find hope, and feel loved.
His calling also took him beyond his own community. He served as a missionary, helping others and working to build churches, sharing his faith and bringing people together wherever God led him. He never simply preached about serving others—he lived it. His faith was demonstrated through his willingness to give his time, his hands, and his heart to anyone in need.
Jimmy’s love for people extended far beyond the church. He had a special place in his heart for young people and spent many years coaching Little League basketball. He invested in generations of young people, encouraging them not only to become better athletes, but better people. His love for sports went beyond the basketball courts. He was an avid WVU fan and there was rarely a game he didn’t watch. Sports gave him another way to connect with people and create memories with his family and friends.
He also loved hunting and farming, a passion he shared with his father. Some of his fondest memories were made working alongside his dad, and together they were affectionately known as “Sanford and Son.” Farming was more than a hobby to him; it was a connection to his family, his roots, and the simple joy of working the land. He loved being outdoors and never lost his appreciation for the hard work and satisfaction that came from it.
To his family, he was the rock. He was steady, dependable, loving, and always there when someone needed him. He was the person people could turn to for advice, encouragement, prayer, or simply a listening ear. He loved deeply, gave generously, and never hesitated to help someone who needed him.
Jimmy touched more lives than he ever realized. Through his ministry, missionary work, coaching, community involvement, farming, friendships, and simply by being present in people’s lives, he left a mark that will not easily fade. Many people will remember his sermons, his advice, his encouragement, his sense of humor, his love of sports, or the countless ways he helped them. His family will remember something even greater—the man who was always there, the man who held his family together, and the man they could always count on.
He was preceded in death by his parents, (Eugene and Thelma Allen), parents in law, (Charles and Dorthea Williams), brothers in law, (Jackie Harvey and Bill Utterback).
He is survived by his beloved wife Sandra Allen; his children, Rodney (Peggy) Allen, Heather Allen, and Kaneetha (Jeffrey) Davis; grandchildren, Jadyn (Adam) Bruner, Brody Davis, Ian Cline, Reagan Cline, Eli Allen, Emma Allen, Seth Burks, Josh Burks, Nathan Coburn, Luke Coburn and Rachel Coburn; Siblings, Pat Harvey, Nancy Utterback, and Dicky (Gayle) Allen; Sister in law, Linda (Jr.) Ray; and extended family and friends.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to several special caregivers who were like family; Wanda Brown, Theresa Brumby, Kathy Hanna, Staff of Veterans Affairs, Staff of Home Care Plus, Hospice of Greenbrier County, and other past caregivers.
Jimmy’s earthly work is finished, but the seeds he planted will continue to grow for generations to come.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, WV, with Pastor Terry Utterback officiating. Burial will follow at the Swope Cemetery in Lindside, WV.
Visitation will be held from 5:00PM until 7:30PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the funeral home, and an hour prior to the services on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider giving to your local church or to a missionary organization that is close to your heart, in honor of Dad’s love for God, His church, and sharing the Gospel with others.
Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.
