Longtime Lido Shorian Jim Allen Has Died

James "Jim" Russell Allen  -  1936 - 2022

Lido Shores has lost another good friend and neighbor.  James "Jim" Russell Allen passed away peacefully at his home at 1452 John Ringling Parkway on April 5th, 2022 at the age of 86.  Jim is survived by the love of his life, Alice, whom he was married to for more than 61-years.  He also leaves behind two children, Mark, (wife Sherry), and Cynthia, along with five-grand children and several great-grand children.

The Allen's moved from Chicago to Sarasota in 1985, and lived at Lido Towers on south Lido Key.  They would frequently walk down John Ringling Parkway, and whenever they would pass what wife Alice calls "The Little Pink House" (1452 John Ringling) she would cry and ask if they could live there.  

It took five-years, but in 1990, Jim relented, and they've been Lido Shorians ever since.  Susie and I live next door, and have been neighbors to this wonderful couple since 2014.  

Jim and Alice Allen at the 2014 LSPOA Annual Meeting

Jim was a kind, quiet guy, but don't let that fool you.  According to Alice, he was the quintessential salesman.  "He could charm the birds out of the trees, and then, sell you the trees," she said.

Despite never playing the sport, he hit his sweet spot when he started CAM Golf , a golf equipment manufacturing business, in Lansing, Il in 1972.  Always an entrepreneur, after selling that business, he started J&M Golf, with son Mark when he moved to Sarasota.  It had three locations around the area, including Budget Golf on US-41. His son and a nephew still run the business today.  

As for neighborhood activities, Jim liked to stay in the background.  "He made me the point man," Alice said.  And she did it with gusto.  Alice served as LSPOA Social Chair for years, welcoming new members and organizing street parties, the precursor to our current day Potlucks, at the Westway Drive/Westway Place cut-de-sac.  

Alice also served on the LSPOA Board of Directors in the late 1990's, when our beach access rights were at risk from a lawsuit. Alice still actively attends neighborhood social events today.

Jim had a wry, infectious smile.  He loved their home in Lido Shores, loved living on the Bay, adored wife Alice and was so proud of his family.  Rest In Peace, Jim.

A celebration of life is planned for June.

~BT