Clarence James Allen

Clarence J. Jim Slim Allen, 87 formerly of Oshkosh died peacefully at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. on April 22, 2007. Jim was born in Oshkosh on June 18, 1919, a son of Elmer and Francis Emmrich Allen. He lived almost his entire life in Oshkosh. Jim was an accomplished musician and started playing professionally in his early teens. As a young man he would take the train to Chicago and play piano with the big bands. He played with many well known musicians and orchestra leaders. Jim later moved to Detroit and played full time. On September 23, 1941 Jim married Marion Nachtman, his neighborhood sweetheart from Oshkosh. Marion preceded him in death on March 11, 1983. Uncle Sam finally called him to serve at Fort Warren in Wyoming where he played piano for military functions. Eventually he served in the European front as a 1st Sergeant working in administration for the bakery unit. After the war he worked for a short time as an accountant with Carver Dairy in Oshkosh. Eventually he started employment at Marathon Corp. which became American Can. He retired from American Can in 1979. During these years he continued playing the piano in local bands. He was especially known for Monday night Dixieland Jazz at the Roxy Supper Club. Even after his move to King Veterans Home, he continued to play piano. His greatest enjoyment was to play with the Fire House 4 for the residents. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. While at King Veterans Home, he regularly attended Lutheran services. Jim developed a wonderful friendship with Chaplain Wayne Schwanke. He is survived by two daughters, Susan Cavanaugh, Oshkosh; Deborah (David) Fries, Appleton; one grandson, Greg (Rosalyn) Cavanaugh, Littlerock, CA; and two great grandchildren, Pierce Martin and Jacob Allen Cavanaugh, Littlerock, CA. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marion, a brother, Earl Allen; a grandson Jeffrey Cavanaugh; and son-in-law Dennis Cavanaugh. Funeral services will be at Trinity Lutheran Church (470 Bowen St.) on Friday, April 27, 2007 at Noon with Rev. Marvin Ahlborn and Chaplain Wayne Schwanke officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 11:00 AM to the time of service. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Park with military honors. A memorial has been established. The family would like to thank Roz and the staff, Chaplain Wayne and hospice for their care, compassion and support all the years that Jim lived at the King Veterans Home. Without them he would never have called King his home.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church



370 Bowen Street
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Friday, April 27, 2007
11:00 a.m. to the service time



Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church



370 Bowen Street
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Friday, April 27, 2007
Noon



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901