James Dale Allyn, 72, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday. He was born in Kent, WA the son of Frank R. and Ann F. Allyn.

He grew up in Federal Way, Washington. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in 1962 which was his Senior year in high school. After a year in the Reserves he enlisted in the United States Navy serving seven tours in Vietnam. He was later stationed in Portland, Seattle, Bremerton, Guam until his retirement in the summer of 1985.

After his military service he moved to Sweet Home, where youngest child finished school.

James worked in long haul trucking and in security. He was past Commander three times for the VFW, Grand Commander of the Military Order of the cooties. When James was made Commander he was unable to walk on his own. He made it his personal goal to place a wreath at the tomb of the unknown Soldier in Washington DC. James was also a member of the Sweet Home Elks Lodge, American Legion in Newport, life member of the Am Vets, VFW, and D.A.V. Disabled American Vets. James coached AYSO soccer in his younger years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, outdoors, refinishing old furniture and wood working. James was a handy man and liked to be busy and help others. He cooked for the VETS club. James and Rose-Marie did a lot of traveling and loved time at the Oregon Coast.

James is survived by his wife Rose-Marie; daughter Dawn-Marie Rodgers; son Bill and his wife Annette Allyn all of Sweet Home; brother Wally Allyn of Philomath; grandchildren: Michael, Andrew, CJ, Christopher, Kristina, Cheyenne; great grand children: Gabriel, Francis, Easton.

He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Allyn and his parents.

Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm Saturday February 25th at Sweet Home VFW.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in care of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Fund at Portland VA hospital. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com