James N. Allburn Jr.

James N. Allburn Jr.

James N. Allburn Jr., age 82, a resident of North East, formerly of Erie, died Monday, October 27, 2008 at Golden Living Center Western Reserve following an extended illness. He was born on March 20, 1926 in Erie, the youngest son of the late James N. Allburn Sr. and Lucy Esther Allburn.

Jim was a 1944 graduate of Strong Vincent High School. He proudly served with the United States Army in the 101st Infantry during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star while liberating France and the German "death camps". Upon his honorable discharge he returned to the family business Allburn Florists founded by his father in 1900. He married the "love of his life" Betty Marie Kern on November 14, 1946. On February 9, 1949 he opened the first branch store of the family business. It was located at 7th and Parade Street, later moving to 17 West 7th Street. Jim was elected president of the Pennsylvania Retail Florists, and was very active in F.T.D. both at the local and national levels.

In 1969 Jim changed careers and began selling copiers and other related office equipment. He won numerous sales awards, prizes and trips. In 1980 he became an executive recruiter and employment counselor, earning the industry's professional designation of CPC.

Jim was a former member of the YMCA, JC's, Moose, East Erie Turners, University Club, Maennerchor and Lakeview Country Club. He was a founding member of Our Lady of Peace Church, serving as a building committee member and summer festival organizer. He was an avid and knowledgeable Civil War buff and an Erie Library volunteer. He loved all sports and was a fanatical Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns supporter.

His retirement years were spent in the sun, sand and surf "madly in love" with his wife Betty at their lake front home. Jim was a handsome, strong and kind gentleman, a loving husband a wonderful father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death by an older brother, Frank R. Allburn. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty Marie Kern Allburn of North East; three sons, James N. Allburn III and his wife Kathryn of Fairview, Timothy R. Allburn and his wife Bridget of North East and Peter P. Allburn of Ocean Grove, NJ; one sister, Helen Ruth Reynolds of Erie and four grandchildren, James N. Allburn IV of Fairview, Megan D. Allburn, Esquire of Washington, DC, Nicholas S. and Trevor J. Allburn both of North East. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Jude the Apostle Church, 2801 West 6th Street, on Saturday at 1 pm. Memorials may be made to the McCord Library, 32 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428 or to the Community Nurses of North East, 7 Park Street, North East, PA 16428.