James AllenRidgeland, MSMR. James Benford Allen, 85, of Ridgeland, MS, was called home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on February 05, 2017. In Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday February 07, 2017 from 5-7 P.M. at Natchez Trace Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Wednesday February 08, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, MS. Mr. Allen was born on January 29, 1932 to the late Ocie Lee & Emma Odessa Allen in Leake County, MS. Jim graduated from Edinburg High School, East Central Community College, Ole Miss, MS State, & LSU. He held 2 masters' degrees. Jim also served in the United States Armed Forces in 1955. He was a math professor, but was in the insurance business most of his career. Jim worked in Legal Shield and was a Primitive Baptist minister in many churches throughout his life. He was the kind of man who loved to help anyone ever in need. Mr. Allen's greatest joy in his life was his family and the time they shared together. Mr. Allen is preceded in death by his parents Ocie & Odessa Allen. One brother, Merit Allen, one sister, Rivers BilbroHe is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Shirley Allen of Ridgeland, MS., 2 daughters, Tanya A. Jones of Ridgeland, MS., Teresa A. Sones and her husband Jeff of Flora, MS., 3 sons, Tim Allen, MD and his wife Kathy Nieder MD of Louisville, KY., Terry Allen and his wife Donna of Madison, MS., & Todd Allen and his wife Charmane of Madison, MS., 14 grandchildren, Kat Allen of Louisville, KY., Kelly Allen of Bay Area, CA., Molly J. Reid of Flowood, MS., Maggie Jones of Ridgeland, MS., Emily Sham of Madison, MS., Michael Allen of Madison, MS Sarah Sones, Justin Sones, Becky Sones, Jacob Sones, Joseph Sones, & James Sones all of Flora, MS. Chase Allen of Madison, MS., Haley Grace Allen of Madison, MS., 4 Great grandchildren, Emma Reid, Henry Reid, Sam Reid, & Taylor Marie Sham. Also he survived by 8 nieces and 5 nephews Elder Wayne Painter of Alexandria, LA will officiate the service.