James William "Popie" Allen was born on October 4, 1919 in Terrell County to Robert N. and Anna Elizabeth (Lee) Allen. Raised on the family ranch near Sanderson, James and his five siblings and cousins from adjoining ranches, attended a one room school provided by the family. He later attended high school and graduated from Sanderson High School in 1937. James attended Abilene Christian College for a year, but his love for the range took him back to the family ranch.
James married his sweetheart Vivian Thompson of Troy, Texas on February 14, 1941. They began their family of three children on the ranch. The family moved to Bronte in 1948 where he continued farming and ranching. James was a very devoted father, loving grandfather, and dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He was faithful to his bride, caring for her unto death. He served over two decades as an elder in the Bronte Church of Christ.
James and Vivian moved to Brownwood in 1979. He joined the Brown County Sheriff’s Posse and thoroughly enjoyed the friendships, trail rides, rodeos and parades for fifteen years.
James and Vivian were faithful members of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ where he served as an elder for twenty years.
James was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jim Allen, Jr, two sisters, three brothers, and his wife of sixty-six years in 2007.
James is survived by a son, Dr. Robert Allen and wife Barbie of North Richland Hills, a daughter, Deanie Comolli and husband Kent of Brownwood; six grandchildren, Craig Comolli and wife Nikki of Arlington, DeeAnn Reynolds and husband Jim of Fort Worth, Missy Harrison and husband Andy of Rochester, Michigan, Robert C. Allen of Detroit, Michigan, Ashley Jones and husband Travis of North Richland Hills and Amy Allen of Boston, Massachusetts; thirteen great-grandchildren with another arriving in August!