James T. Allen, 83, of Southaven, MS passed away on January 1, 2020 after a short illness.  James was a longtime riverboat Captain and retired from Missouri Barge Line.  He had proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Frankie Allen, his parents, Wilbur and Grace A. Allen, two sisters,  Rose Mary Allen, Marion Smith, Grand daughter, Angela Churchill and brother in law, David Cummings.  Left to cherish his memory are four children, Greg Oswalt, Denise Churchill, LaDonna Ulrich and Gracie Allen, all from Southaven, Ms.  He has been blessed with four grandchildren; Steve Churchill, Jr., Daniel Becker, Blake Jacques and Chris Oswalt and two great grandchildren: Avalynn Churchill, and Eric Becker. He is survived by three brothers, Robert (Danna) Allen, Johnny (Anna) Allen, Paul (Ramona) Allen and two sisters, Peggy Cummings and Alice Faye Reed.  Visitation with his family will be Monday, January 6, 2020 fro 1:00~2:00 pm with funeral service following at 2:00 pm at Forest Hill Funeral Home, East. 901-382-1000