James Daniel Allen

James Daniel Allen, age 71, joined his family and friends in Heaven on June 15, 2026. He had a sudden unexpected cardiac event while driving his truck but was able to put it into neutral and turn the steering wheel so it slowly went off to the side of the road. Even in his death he protected those around him.

Dan was a lifelong resident of the Hampton Roads area. He had a kind, caring, and gentle soul. He was known by many in the area and was a friend to all. It seemed like everywhere he went, someone knew him. He could carry on conversations about many topics with his interests, knowledge, and skills. Or even to gather more knowledge on something he was trying to get more information on or solve a problem. He rarely complained and was a good listener. Dan was content with the simple life and enjoyed the pleasure of helping others. It was said he would give the shirt off his back to help someone.

As for his career, Dan worked for 3 different places as his main jobs: Jack Hollingsworth Service Station (where he learned to work on cars), Hampton Roads Battery (where he continued working on cars and specializing in the electrical systems in cars), and lastly, Newsome Heating and Air Conditioning (where he worked with Paul Boswell, his lifelong friend). Many times, his ability to climb, twist, turn, and get into small areas in the duct work came in handy. Dan had great work ethics and cared about the jobs he performed. He also did many side jobs of all sorts to keep busy and help others. He had an active mind and body which kept him young and involved in so many aspects of life.

Dan was multifaceted in his hobbies and interests. He had grown many collections over the years through his adventures and explorations of the local area - knives, old glass bottles, especially blue glass, coins, tools, all sorts of unique old historical items, and rare oddities. Though his top joy was cars, especially old cars. Jack Hollingsworth, his first employer, inspired and mentored his passion for cars. Dan owned 3 special cars in his life – his yellow 57 Chevy, his yellow and white 57 Chevy Nomad, and lastly his purple 34 Ford. The purple car was purchased in 2009, in honor of his mother who passed away in 2008. He drove it with her spirit riding right beside him.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother Ann Sinclair Allen DeYoung and stepfather John DeYoung, his father James Donald Allen III, his sister Dorothy Ann Wagner, and the love of his life and soul mate Patricia Ann Swain Allen.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sisters Brenda Ann Allen LaFrance and Valerie Ann Allen Gibson (husband - Gale), and his many nephews, nieces, and grand nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, plant a tree, or visit a car show and walk with his spirit.

A celebration of life event will be held with his purple car and black truck present. Please call or text his phone if you are interested in attending his celebration of life (leave your name and number) please no voicemail (unable to access). His niece will reach out to you with the details once plans are finalized.