Obituary of James D. Allen

JJ spent the first 7 years of his life growing up in Greece, NY. Along with his mom and siblings, Bryan and Jeanine, he lived with his grandmother. She helped raise the kids while his mom worked full time, providing for their needs. In 1999, JJ moved from the "burbs" to the country with his mom, siblings and new dad to Bloomfield, NY. He came to embrace and love the country, which was a change from his desire for years to wanting to be a "big city" guy. He even said in more recent conversations that he would be interested in moving back home to Bloomfield and living here someday. In Bloomfield he finished out his elementary years and completed his high school years. During his high school years, he completed several AP classes. In addition to excelling in academics, JJ also played various sports such as soccer, lacrosse, bowling and tennis. An extracurricular activity that he was involved in was Varsity Masterminds, where, as a first time participant, he placed first in the school and seventh in the league. In 2006, Clarkson University awarded JJ with a High School Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise. After graduating with a Regents diploma in 2007, he moved to the Rochester area over the summer. It was there he started attending the University of Rochester in the fall. Before completing his bachelor's degree, he decided to restart his college career and attend Monroe Community College. It was in May 2014 that he received his Associate in Science degree, with Distinction. He made the Dean's List several semesters while there. Over the next year he continued with additional courses while saving up his money and working two jobs. His plan was to attend a 4 year college and complete his Bachelor's degree in Biological Engineering. He was recently accepted at Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the University of Colorado Boulder. His final decision was RIT. Over the last couple of years we saw him mature and become more independent as he made major decisions. He paid his own way through the community college, took care of his own needs such as rent and even purchased his first car just 3 months ago. JJ was always consistent with calling or stopping in for mom and dad's birthday and wedding anniversary and Mothers and Fathers Day. His presence at every holiday was a given; and so was his dirty laundry. From Dad: JJ never called me "step-dad", always dad. He always wanted a dad around and when I stepped in to his life at 7 years old he was thrilled. I told him I would always raise him as my own son and he relied on that growing up. I would go up often to the city and take him out to lunch and just chat. I remember him once saying "You came up just for me?" Our conversations showed his maturity and insight into life. The sense of loss has left a hole in my heart. I love him and will miss him greatly. From Mom: Things about JJ I am thankful for: That God gave me 25 wonderful years with my son (ok, maybe they weren't all wonderful.) That I was provided the opportunity to share God's Word and His love with my son That he was happy and healthy His smile His soft, caring heart That the last time I talked to him he told me he loved me That he took responsibility to put himself through MCC and had been accepted into several 4 year colleges That he was able to take care of himself (lived on his own and worked 2 jobs while putting himself through school) His love of reading His love of nature His amazing friends who wouldn't give up trying to find him and gave me the strength to keep going JJ is survived by his mom and dad: Doug and Cindy Schoenheit JJ is survived by 5 siblings: Melissa (Bob) Asento and their children, Colin, Rebecca, Bobbie Jessica (Jeremy) Berry and their son Connor Matthew Schoenheit and his son Zackary Jeanine Allen Bryan Allen His grandmothers Connie Lynch and Shirley Schoenheit. Uncles, aunts and a multitude of loving friends and frat brothers