Judge James Allen

Judge Adrian James Allen was born, raised, and chose to build his life in Topeka, KS. He passed away on April 16, 2022, with his beloved daughter by his side. He was 93 years of age. He had a heart that never failed his community or people he loved. He was born to George S. and Nina N. Allen on December 4, 1928. His passing was preceded by his wife of 67 years, Mary Selig Allen. He is survived by his daughter Mrs. Cynthia Richardson of Mission Hills, KS; son Dr. Roger James Allen and grandchildren Holly Allen of Seattle, WA and Finnian Allen of Odenton, MD; and sister Mrs. Georgiana Harris of Overland Park, KS.

Judge Allen was a proud graduate of Topeka High School ('46), attended the University of Kansas, Washburn University (B.A. '51), and Washburn's School of Law (Juris Doctor ' 54). He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Kansas and Alpha Delta at Washburn University. He was admitted to practice before the United States District Court and was a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. In 1955, he joined his family's law firm, Allen and Allen, which was founded in 1899 by his grandfather, Hon. Stephen H. Allen, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas. He served as General Counsel of the Kansas Securities Commission and was elected County Attorney for Shawnee County. In 1971, former Gov. Robert Docking appointed him Judge of Division Four of the District Court of Shawnee County, where he served for 21 years. After retirement from the District Court, he worked 12 more years as a Kansas Senior Judge by appointment from the Supreme Court of Kansas.

During his judicial career, he served as hearing officer for the United States Department of Justice, member of appellate panels of the Kansas Court of Appeals, and heard cases for the Supreme Court of Kansas. He was a member, secretary; and Honorary President of the Topeka Bar Association; Board of Governors member of the Kansas Bar Association; fellow of the Kansas Bar Foundation; President and Executive Committee member of the Kansas District Judges Association; chair of the Kansas Judicial Ethics Advisory Panel; and member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Judge Allen earned a life reputation among his many friends and professional peers as a deeply principled person of independent mind and unwavering integrity.

Judge Allen had compassion and boundless willingness to reach out and help others. As a judge, he was widely known as a fierce protector of children and unwavering defender for their wellbeing. He was a founder of the Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Topeka, Chairman and Board member of the Kansas Capital Area chapter of the American Red Cross, President and Board member of the Topeka High School Historical Society, and Board member of the Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. A member of the First Congregational Church of Topeka, Adrian served as a deacon and member of the Board of Trustees and Church Council, as well as Secretary of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the United Church of Christ Foundation Board. Following his bout with prostate cancer in 1992, he joined the Board of the Shawnee County unit of the American Cancer Society, and made countless hospital and home visits to others touched by prostate cancer, offering support, empathy, camaraderie, and encouragement. In private moments, he often said that what motivated him and what he most valued in his career and charitable efforts were "the people."

Adrian deeply valued his service in the United States Marine Corps, as an artillery officer in the Korean War with the First Marine Division, retiring as a captain. Beyond his time of active duty, his camaraderie and deep personal regard for the Corp continued as a member of the VFW and the General Lewis W. Walt Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Topeka, serving as Chaplain, Senior Vice Commandant, and Commandant. Semper Fidelis.

Adrian loved living in Topeka, being an integral part of the community, and having many opportunities to give back.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at First Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made as donations to The Library Foundation, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604-1374, or First Congregational Church, 1701 Collins Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

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