James "Jim" Russell Allen
Posted Jun 15, 2023 | 3:20 PM
James (Jim) Russell Allen
June 13, 1952 to June 13, 2023
Surrounded by loved ones, James passed away peacefully at the Compassionate Care Hospice in Rocky Mountain House.
James was predeceased by his parents Anna and Robert Allen, wife Robina, nephew Philip Pedrazzini, niece Karen Surry, brothers-in-law: Garry Fernley, Frank Taylor and Leslie Bellamy.
He is survived by his son Daniel, fiancé Darlene Levitt, and siblings: Sylvia Pedrazzini (Italo), Lynda Taylor, Bob Allen (Joanne), Ken Allen (Debbie), Jewel Fernley (Larry), Diane Mora (Noel), Deane Haynes (Tim), Eileen Nouge (Denis), Laurie Cappis (Dale), Terry Allen (Manat), Brenda Blyth and many nieces and nephews spread around the world.
Born in Calgary, James moved to the farm west of Cochrane at age 7 and there developed a passion for wild things and wild places. He was also an avid reader and lifelong learner. After graduating Cochrane High School, he started advanced education at Vermilion (Lakeland) College earning a Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma and ended many years later with a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences from University of Alberta. He worked for 43 years as a wildlife biologist and wildlife manager for the Alberta government at Red Deer, Drumheller, Rocky Mountain House, Edson, Edmonton and ended his career back in Rocky Mountain House where he retired. While in Edmonton he was Head of Game Management and Priority Species Section. James really enjoyed the challenges of his career and especially enjoyed the field work including wildlife population surveys, working on research and special projects that took him outdoors. He was a long-term member of The Wildlife Society, serving on the board of directors for both the Canadian Section and the Alberta Chapter, also serving a term as president of the Alberta Chapter. He thought it was a privilege to work with so many likeminded people within the Fish and Wildlife Division. He also enjoyed working with non-government wildlife organizations like the ATA, AFGA, WSF, APOS and many others. All those groups had people with a common goal dedicated to wildlife conservation and wilderness. James was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved the horse trips to the mountains and the primitive weapon hunt at Camp Wainwright. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts and spent a term with them as Regional Commissioner. James really enjoyed spending time sharing wilderness skills and camping skills with youth and other leaders. A highlight was taking a group of teenage boys on a hike through the Howse Pass.
James was a long-term member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and a believer that the Christ Mystery anoints all physical matter with eternal purpose. James studied theology taking the four-year Education for Ministry (EFM) course through the Anglican Church. He was also in the inaugural class (2015) of the Living School at the Center of Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. This gave him the chance to have conversations and learn from wisdom teachers Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, and James Finley and several others. This was very formative in his spiritual life.
When diagnosed with ALS, James knew what was coming and spent as much time camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, roasting smokies on the campfire and other outdoor activities with Darlene and other friends and family as he could, before his physical abilities failed. The Living School introduced him to the practice of letting go. When the worst happens our desire for control and the futility of that desire become exposed. If we are wise, we open our hearts, our minds, and let go. When we let go, we realize the only constant is God’s love which is revealed in many ways.
A Memorial Service will be held, for James, at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Rocky Mountain House, 5015- 49 Street, on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
For those who are unable to attend and wish to join the service remotely please follow the link below, the password for access is below the link.
Password: James
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in James’s name to Compassionate Care Hospice Society, Rocky Mountain House with thanks to the special care givers who work there.
Condolences may be forwarded to: www.rockyfuneralhome.ca
Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 845 2626
- Date : 2023-06-13
- Location : Rocky Mountain House, Alberta