John Thomas Allen, known as Jack, was born in Atlanta Georgia on June 1, 1952 to Henry C. Allen and Emalyn Jones Allen. After a year of treatment, Jack died at home from a rare, aggressive cancer on June 17, 2025 at age 73. As per his wishes Jack was surrounded by the love of his family members and friends both near and far.

Jack was a man of sharp intellect, humor and wit. He was known as a renaissance man by many who knew him well. He loved books, art, music, theater, opera and spending endless hours in public libraries. He had a brief stint as a community theater actor and shared his beautiful voice while singing the blues and Bob Dylan tunes. He was a master gardener, devoted composter and propagator of plants, many of which came from his travels. Over the years the grass in the front yard evolved into vegetables and native flower gardens.

Before settling in Takoma Park, Jack lived in Winston Salem, North Carolina as well as Portland and Astoria Oregon. As a young man he was an experienced hitchhiker across the US and Europe, open to meeting all kinds of folks. Since moving to Takoma Park he has been a devoted husband, father and generous neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand. He had recently started volunteering with Meals on Wheels and playing pickleball. He loved outdoor adventures including camping, hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, and a special family cross country trip in 2004. He mentored and shared his outdoor skills with many young people at the Washington Ethical Society.

Jack is survived by his wife Pam Williams, sons Thomas and Sam, his brother George Allen, sisters Betsy Miethbauer and Merritt Hazzard, nieces Sarah Gershon, Susannah Crosier, Julia Hazzard and nephews Patrick Allen, William Allen (deceased), Griffin Hazzard and Parker & Alston Miethbauer.