James "Jem" Allen

Hagerman- James Eugene "Jem" Allen, 60, of Hagerman, rode into the arms of Jesus on Monday August 10, 2015, following a long illness, at St. Luke's Hospital in Twin Falls.  He was born May 22, 1955, in Crossville, Tennessee, the son of Bonnie Copeland Allen and Nick Allen.

Jem's life was a deep reflection of his faith in Jesus Christ and his belief that "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 .  In 1973, he joined the United States Army and served as a helicopter door gunner in the Viet Nam War, where he earned the Purple Heart after being wounded protecting his fellow soldiers.  This same dedication to the protection of others was seen throughout his life as he worked as a paramedic, firefighter and specialized in cave rescue.  Following 9/11, he traveled to Ground Zero in New York, with the Crossville Firefighters to assist in search and rescue efforts there.

One of Jem's proudest accomplishments was his children and grandchildren.  He dreamed of the days when his Idaho and Tennessee families could be together. In 1975, he welcomed daughter Leah, and in 1991, he welcomed son Cody.  After nearly 35 years apart, his heart found its way back to the love of his life, Chris, and their daughter Bridget.  His passing marked seven years to the day of his arrival to what he called "Home."

Jem was an avid artist and woodcarver.  He enjoyed archery and shooting, but especially loved training and showing Tennessee walking horses.  In spite of the toll on his body from service to others, he was able to share these loves with his children and grandchildren.

Jem is survived by his wife, Chris Allen;  children, Bridget (Ben), Bill (Christine), Leah (Daniel) and Cody; his mother-in-law, Wynarda Exon; four sisters, Mary Ruth (David), Geraldean, Joyce and Brigetta; one brother, Henry; 21 grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.  He was the spark of mischief behind his grandchildren and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Jem is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Mark.

Jem's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Luke's;  Associates in Family Practice in Wendell and Gooding;  home health nurses Anita and Jeanette; and special friend and Pastor, Carl Buster.

"Oh Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself, I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do;
But Lord, when the trails are steep and the passes high, help me to ride it straight the whole way through. And when in the falling dusk I get the final call, I do not care how many flowers they send; Above all, the happiest trail would be for You to say to me,

"Let's ride, my friend."  Deeply loved and missed, we will look to the Heavens for his protection and peaceful voice...until we meet again.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM , Friday August 14, 2015 , at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome, with Pastor Carl Buster officiating.  A visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Interment with military honors will follow in the Hagerman Cemetery.