Mr. James Calvin (Spanky) Allen

Obituary James Calvin Allen better known as Spanky, was born March 13, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio, to James Albert and Evelyn Allen nee Nash, both parents preceded him in death. Also born to the union between James and Evelyn was Beverly Allen. Spanky and Beverly were known as “Irish” twins (siblings born 12 months apart) and were inseparable. Beverly (called “Bob” by Spanky) remains her brother’s best friend and champion! Spanky’s early education was from Saint Edward Catholic Church and School where he was Baptized, Confirmed, received his First Communion, and eventually graduated in 1954. Spanky was a 1958 graduate of East Technical High School, where he met one of his lifelong friend, Richard (Dickie) Thomas. Spanky received his Baccalaureate degree in Science from Fisk University in 1962. At Fisk, he met a few more of his lifelong friends: William (Pepper) Boyd, Earle Horton and Oscar Saffold. Spanky pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as an under-grad at Fisk. Spanky was a true Alpha man and often harassed his grandnephew Lil Reggie because he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi! Spanky’s interests in science, math and social causes bloomed at Fisk. As a college student he was a civil rights activist and participated in marches and sit-ins in the early 60’s. While at Fisk University, Spanky also met the beautiful Cheryl Anderson from Madison, WI, whom he later married in Los Angeles, California. To this union, his first son, Jae Scott, was born. Spanky attended technical school in California and received a certificate in Technological Blood Analysis. He always teased that he was a vampire when taking blood from patients. Despite his love for science and biology, he soon tired of the blood analysis field and moved back to Cleveland to pursue science graduate work or prepare for entry to medical school. His second son, Duane Edward, was born soon after his return to Cleveland. Spanky’s interest in social causes soon found him employed with Recruitment Training Program (RTP) – a national program designed to introduce and train Black men and women in trades with severe minority underrepresentation such as plumbing, electricity and carpentry. One of his students was the first Black person to get a job in the trades. Spanky was gifted in the art of test-taking, he traveled all over the country presenting math and test-taking seminars. While still working at RTP and now a bachelor, love struck again! Spanky met his second wife, fellow educator, sweet Jeanie Hairston from Pittsburgh, PA. To this union a daughter, Jeana Charee – his beloved “Cher-Bear”, was born. Spanky had two famous sayings: “Love is Love and Fun is Fun but ain’t it quiet when the goldfish die” and “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”! Despite his skills in math and science and using his favorite sayings as his mantra, Spanky began to further develop and pursue entertainment promotion and entrepreneurship. Spanky had several singing groups that he promoted on the chitlin’ circuit and venues throughout Ohio. Along with several partners, he took over the historic Leo’s Casino on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio and changed the name to Spanky’s A.M. - a membership club extraordinaire! He considered himself the first agent and number one consultant and fan for the melodious vocal renderings of niece, Shawn, who had just discovered her voice and God-given artistic talents. From there he ventured off to beverage store/, restaurant ownership and the first game room in Cleveland – concepts he brought from his sojourn in California. For a short time, Spanky handled the concession area at Highland Golf Course. He thoroughly enjoyed his stint at Highland because he had caddied there as a child and as an adult, fancied himself a great golfer and card player! Spanky was a man who undeniably enjoyed the excesses of life – good and bad - with a big personality and low budget to support his pursuits as niece and quasi-caretaker, Charlain, can attest! Surely, all reading this Obituary have a great Spanky story to tell and share. Spanky believed in Science and the quest for knowledge. Therefore, his wish was to donate his body to Science (Case Western Reserve Medical School). He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons Jae Scott (Veronica), Duane Edward, and daughter Jeana Charee; gifted granddaughters Alexis (Victor) and Adonia; heart-throb grandsons Jae Scott II and Jordon; precious great-grandchildren Madison, Tori, Mia, Victor II and Bella; sister and best friend, Beverly; nieces Charlain and Shawn; grandnieces and grandnephews, Tyleah, Amber, Brittany, Asti, Stanley, De’Jah, Jesse II, Reginald III and Brooke; great-grandnieces and nephews, Mark, Ava, Ca’myah, Kayla, Kia, Marlei, Chade’ and Saanan; paternal first cousins, Brunette, Phenon and Rosemary (deceased); 50 maternal first cousins too numerous to mention by name; and, a host of other relatives and friends. Beloved Spanky, Rest in Peace at last, The Family

Mr. James Calvin (Spanky) Allen

March 13, 1940 - March 7, 2018