James Albert Allen

James Albert Allen, 84, died on Nov. 14, 2014. A native of Alexandria, La., he was born on Nov. 7, 1930 to James Ogden and Nena McGrew Allen. Jim attended Bolton High School and graduated fourth in his class in 1947. He earned his B.S. degree in business administration from LSU in 1954 and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He went on to teach grade school in both Houma and Lockport, La. He earned his M.S. degree in library science from LSU in 1962 and served as the director of the Louisiana College Library in Pineville. He married Gloria Bausewein in 1963. In 1965, he accepted a position as associate professor of library science and director of the library at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). Jim and Gloria's only child, Janet Ann, was born in December 1965. In 1982, Jim became interested in personal computers. In 1986, Jim stepped down as UALR library director and set out to find technology that could computerize the library and serve the community in new ways. Over the next 32 years, he would spend much of his personal and professional life tinkering with computers and a variety of technologies. The Computer Club of Austin counted him as a member for 17 years. He was not "old school." Technology was his friend. And while it pales in comparison to missing her dad, his daughter will very much miss her "computer guru." Jim enjoyed photography for most of his life—a love he passed on to his daughter. He was an active member of the Austin Shutterbug Club and dearly enjoyed making road trips to beautiful vistas in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and North Carolina. In 1997, Jim and Gloria moved from Little Rock to Austin to be near Janet, her husband Stephen and granddaughter, Anna Grace, born in October. In 2000, granddaughter, Lila Marie, was born. Jim lost Gloria in a car accident in late 2003. In 2010, Jim rekindled his friendship with LSU classmate Mary Jack Wintle, then living in Black Mountain, N.C. They married in April 2011. Jim and Jackie set up household in northwest Austin but kept a residence in North Carolina. For almost four years they traveled between the two states, enjoying the scenery, the food and most of all, each other's company. Jim died from complications due to myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder, diagnosed in late September 2014. His passing was with the comfort of his family and hospice care. He wanted everyone to know he had a wonderful life. A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at University Christian Church (UCC) in Austin on Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to either UCC or Bethany United Methodist Church of Austin. Words of comfort may be expressed to the family via the online registry at www.beckchapels.com. Arrangements entrusted to Beck Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 15709 Ranch Road, Austin, Texas 78717. 512-244-3772