In Loving Memory of
Allen Russel James
June 23, 1942 – June 9, 2021
Funeral Service was held June 18, 2021 at the James Family Farm
Interment at Chilliwack Cemetery
Funeral & Graveside Service Video Recording
Allen Russel James passed away peacefully at his home on June 9, 2021, with his wife Doreen by his side. Allen was born in Vancouver BC, on June 23, 1942, to Allen Sr. and Florence James (nee Caughill). He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Lorna (Ron) Stephen of Vanderhoof, Les (Barb) James of Ladysmith, Ed (Audrey) James of Lake Cowichan, Alvin (Carol) James of Tasmania, Velma (Claus Flemming) James-Schneider of Baden-Baden Germany, and Carol (Kevin Schinz) Heinekey of Lake Cowichan.
In 1962, Allen moved from Vancouver to Chilliwack, where he continued to reside until his passing. He is predeceased by his parents, Allen Sr. (in 2004) and Florence (in 1977) and first wife Irene (nee Monson, in 2013). He is survived by his loving wife Doreen, son Terry (Nicole) and daughters Tammie (Kent) Dodds, Shelly James and Sheri (Mark) Janssen. Grandchildren, Kailyn, Connor, and Tanner Dodds, Liam and Josh Janssen and Devon Van Tongeren.
While working towards completing his degree, Allen started his teaching career in Chilliwack, at the young age of 20. He was principal for many years in the Chilliwack School District (SD #33) including schools Greendale, Unsworth, McCammon, Robertson, Rosedale, retiring from Vedder Elementary after 38 years.
As if being a principal was not enough, Allen started on an agricultural venture with his son Terry. Together they started layer chickens and later switched to broilers. Allen was also a part of the BC Agriculture Council and served as a dedicated Chair on the Board for nearly 10 years. He was also a valued contributor to many other committees in the poultry sector.
Allen was greatly loved by all, and the memories made will be treasured.
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Such a beautiful funeral. I have such lovely memories of days with the James family on Yew Street. My thoughts are with you all.
Wendy (Smythe)
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all our years of knowing each other he was a caring, kind friend and then cousin by marriage. Remembering each of the family’s and thinking of you in your loss. lovingly Marion
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Hugs to all your families during this difficult time. We spent many Sunday morning meetings with the James’ family. What a huge loss for family and friends. We will remember Allen and his good example for many years.
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Deepest condolences to the James family. We will greatly miss Allen and his contributions and wisdom at our meetings.
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I was happy to get to know Allen after he and Doreen we married. He was such a kind, kingdom minded man. He will be missed.
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Lovely service. Thank you for allowing us all to share.
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Sending. Big hugs to you all 😢💚🙏🏼
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Special memories of Allen. Condolences to Doreen and all the family
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I valued Allen as a friend. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. We always knew exactly where Allen stood. There was no wavering or turning back for Allen. A fine example of a Godly, honest and fair man.
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Thoughts go your way today. Knowing this is going to be a sad day of parting. My sincere sympathy go to all the family. Eva
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Our condolences to all the James familys’. It’s times like these that make one feel sad for not knowing my own cousins better than I have. Again my sympathies to all.
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Dear Doreen and and all the James family. Our sincere thoughts are with you at this time. Allen will be missed by all who knew him.
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Dear Doreen and all the family,
Just want to let you know our hearts are with you all today.
We have very good memories of Allen also and know he will be greatly missed by you all.
Thank you for letting us share in the service. It was very special.
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Dear Doreen & all the James family,
It is so wonderful to be able to be with you in this virtual way, a lovely service and may it comfort you that we truly care for you in your loss with the sudden passing of Allen. May all be comforted though far & near.
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Condolence to the James family.
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Dear Doreen and the Family
Thinking of you all at this sad time
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Thinking of all of you. We have good memories of Allen from our years in Chilliwack. He will really be missed.
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Sincere sympathy to Cousin Allen’s wife Doreen, his children and families, and to his Siblings and their families.
From cousin Sid & Dorothy Fournier (Voegeli)
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Our thoughts have been and are with you in your sudden loss. Mother, Shirley joins me in sending sympathy. We both remember well the lovely visit we had in your home, when I was in Chilliwack with Mom. And lovely to know that indeed you feel comfort from Heaven.
With care Shirley and Sharon
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I count it a very special privilege to get to know Allen through working with him at G.V. and to hear his care for the needs of the Kingdom. Thinking of you Doreen and all who will feel this loss.
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My love for all the family, so enjoyed mtgs in your home. Big hugs!! Pat Draper
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our dear james family please know our thoughts and love are with you. our dear allen will be missed so much. consider yourselves hugged and so much loved. thanks for so many happy memories.
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We have very fond memories of Allen and Irene. They were very kind and helpful to the Drummond relatives for many years. Allen was always ready to help in any situation. A very Godly man and an exceptional example to all of us.
Our loving condolences to Doreen and Allen’s family.
John and Iona Drummond
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We have good memories of Allen & Irene about 56 years ago in the Peace River Country when we were all newlyweds together, and the same with Doreen & Gordon when we were raising our young families.
Thinking of you all these days.
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We are so sorry and shocked to hear the news about Allen. I worked with Allen for 2 years at Rosedale Elementary 1978-80. He was a patient, kind, respectful and quietly energetic and humorous person all of which were reflected in his interactions with both staff and students. We got to know Allen, Irene and family over the years, and appreciated the lawn mowing Allen, Terry, Tammie, and Shelly did. Our condolences to all family members.
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It was special to know this friend and I will miss his words and smile.
. It will encourage me to know that he made it safely home and I value all the memories from the past.
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Dear Doreen and family,
Special thoughts go your way at this time.
Love,
Arnold and Hazel
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Allen was a solid and trustworthy influence in our community. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences to Doreen and all of the James families.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember Allen as a very kind man. He will be missed greatly.
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Thoughts are with you all. I appreciate the memories and will cherish the hugs. Very grateful to have gotten to know Allen a little better the last number of years at Glen valley.
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I would like to send my condolences for the loss of Allen, you will be in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Allen played a big part in my journey as an EA with the school district. In 1992, I became very ill, Allen was there for myself and John with so much support and care. After I came back to work he made sure it went well. I had the honour of knowing a man with a fair and very kind heart. May memories of him warm your hearts.
Caring and love Susanne & John Hamlin
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Allen was my principal at Robertson Elementary when he was in charge of both the Primary building and the Intermediate building. Many a time we had great conversations about the students, the primary building ( there was just the 4 of us), children (our own and raising them), educational practices at the time and earlier practices, life in general. He was a great mentor, a great principal and a great colleague when in those days, principals were still part of the teaching cadre and not only Administrators.
My condolences to your family and friends. He was a very special man and will be missed.
Elizabeth
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He was a city boy and a country man.
A good speaker and a great listener.
A big brother and caring friend.
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Please accept our condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. Doreen, we love you so much and wish you strength and care. If we can do anything let us know.
Love you
Bob and Rosalie Harper
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Dear Doreen and to all
Allen’s children !
You had a great husband and Father .
The work of God in his heart made him the special man that he wAs . He would be the first to tell you all credit goes to God . He counted it a privilege to be a son of God .
I know God will draw near and comfort you all . Greetings from Gail down in Chile . .
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Sending hugs and loving prayers of strength to you all. Allen always had a smile that made you smile. I have fond memories of hikes and gym time with the Barth and James families. Sometimes when I went to see gramma Barth I’d see Allen reading passages or singing to her. A kind, gentle soul with a big smile. He will be missed.
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Condolences and much love to Doreen and his family. He was a wonderful man and he had a very full life. Now he is in Eternity with God.🥰
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Our deepest condolences to the James family and all loved ones in Allen’s life.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
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Condolences from my family. Allen was a kind, considerate, generous person. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends