On June 20, 1956, a son was born to Ezell Allen and Rosie L. Beecham in Dallas, Texas and was given the name James Wesley Allen.

At an early age, James united with the Church of the Living God under the leadership of Rev. R.V. Daniels in DeBerry, Tx. Later, he joined New Beginnings Interdenominational Christian Center under the leadership of Dr. Marvin Rhodes in Marshall, Tx.

James graduated from Carthage High School as a member of the Class of 1974. James retired from Louisiana-Pacific after 23 years of faithful service.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Ezell Allen and Rosie L. Beecham; two sisters, Thelma Beecham and Dorothy Ann Allen; two brothers, Raymond Clide Beecham and Jerry Yarbrough and a son, he raised as his own, Delvin Jackson.

James leaves to cherish his memory his best friend, Barbara Jackson Allen, affectionately known as "Babe" to him; three beloved sisters, Julia Williams, Gwendolyn Boldon and Deborah Brown; one brother, Ozell Allen; three beautiful daughters, Sylvia (Tyrone Moore) Allen, Ashley Jones and Shanika (Corey) Harris; two handsome sons, Jamie (Letitia) Allen and Kevin Jackson; his beautiful biological grandchildren whom he was knows to as "Pa Pa", Samaya, Micah, Tyree, Zaiya, Za'Kiya "Pa Pa" riding buddy Korlyn Jackson; five beautiful aunts whom he loved dearly, Ethel Stegall, Ila Faye Mitchell, Phyllis Ware, Ruby Runnels and Daisy Jackson and a bonus aunt, Luzetta Hicks along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marshall. Interment will follow at Algoma North Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026, at Downs Funeral Home.