James Carlton Allen

May 25, 1934 ­­— November 21, 2025

James “Jim” Allen was born in Los Angeles on May 25, 1934. From an early age, Jim had an irrepressible optimism and a gift for connecting with people — a gift he carried throughout his life and career.

After earning his degree and teaching credential from San Francisco State University, Jim began what would become a remarkable thirty-year career as a middle school teacher. Beloved by literally generations of students, Jim was often remembered as their favorite teacher — the one who saw their potential, cheered them on, and made learning feel like discovery. He is often remembered for his annual “day in the life of” project, which had Del Mar Middle Schoolers dress in costume for the historical figure on whom they were reporting to the class.

Jim had a bit of a mischievous side as well — one example was he led a group of kids on a bike parade down Tiburon Boulevard. We can neither confirm nor deny that the police chief was less than thrilled about the traffic that ensued, but it turned out to be a critical factor when the town decided to build the now-famous Tiburon bike path. A fun event that turned into a very positive outcome for all.

Beyond the classroom, Jim’s energy and kindness rippled through the community. He volunteered countless hours as a docent at both the Marin County Civic Center and at Angel Island State Park, sharing his love of history, architecture, and storytelling with visitors from all over the world. Teachers would request Jumpin’ Jim every year when they’d bring their students on tour.

Jim was also a lifelong sports enthusiast — rooting passionately for the Hollywood Stars baseball of his youth, and later for his beloved 49ers, Giants, and Warriors with his sons. Win or lose, he was an eternal optimist — always quick with a smile, a story, and a reminder to keep the faith.

Whether you knew him as Captain Zoom Zoom (his ski instructor nickname), Jumpin’ Jim, Papa, Dimmy, or simply Mr. Allen, you will remember him as a tremendous storyteller, a mentor to many, and one of the kindest souls you could hope to meet. Thoughtful, patient, and endlessly curious, he had a way of making everyone feel important.

Jim’s loving family was the center of his life. He is survived by his life partner, Joan Brown; his sons Park (Christina), Link (Tamara), and Sean; his grandchildren Makenzie, Delaney, Augustine, and Archie; his brothers, Ron (wife Dorothy, and family Becky, Matthew, and Chelsea), Tom (Susan) and Chip; and Joan’s son Kevin (Kat, Josie, and Maggie). His wide and loving family — and the generations of students, colleagues, and friends he touched — will carry forward his optimism, humor, and generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PD-Connect, pd-connect.org, founded by one of Jim’s former students to help Parkinson’s patients. In a wonderful teacher-becomes-student moment, they helped Jim for years with physical therapy; the Canal Alliance, canalalliance.org; or a charity of your choice.

We will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Blvd. All who knew and loved him are welcome.