Obituary of James Wilson Allen

Bethlehem, PA: James W Allen passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at his home in Bethlehem, PA. He was 89. Born in Somerville, NJ, he resided in North Plainfield, NJ for 20 years before moving to Watchung, NJ, Jackson, NJ, and most recently in Bethlehem, PA since 2016. Jim was a member of the United States Coast Guard serving during WWII. He attended Princeton University and received his BS from Rutgers University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Jim started his banking career at the Second National Bank of Somerville and then the Plainfield Savings Bank. Jim started up the Watchung Hills Bank for Savings in 1987, where he was President until his retirement. He was appointed to the New Jersey Governor's Advisory Board of Banking Members. Jim served on the North Plainfield Board of Education from 1967-1973. He was also a member of the Central Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Plainfield Rotary, National Association of Mutual Savings Banks and numerous other Banking and Community Organizations. He was a past member of Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing at the Jersey shore and was a member of the Plainfield Country Club for many years where he loved playing golf. Jim's greatest love was spending time with his family and was truly the patriarch to all. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ruth S Allen; his daughter Linda A Dickert and husband Paul, of Bethlehem, PA; his son Thomas J Allen, Sr and his wife Cathy of North Plainfield, NJ; 3 grandchildren, Amy Fisher and husband James of Bethlehem, PA, Amanda Smith and husband Patrick of Hoboken, NJ and Thomas J Allen, Jr of North Plainfield, NJ; 2 great-grandchildren, Alivia and Andria Fisher. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral services are under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ.