James "Bo" Allen, 60, of Anamosa, Iowa, passed away November 1, 2026. He was born in Pollock, Texas, and grew up in Perris, California.

Bo and his wife, Maryann, shared a friendship of 40 years — he was right there whenever she needed him. After Maryann and the boys moved to Iowa in 1998, Bo found his way to Iowa in 2000 to be with his boys, and he and Maryann were married in 2002. Through the loss of their daughter and years of being on and off, Bo and Maryann always ended up together. They were married at Apostolic Assembly of Anamosa, and it remained their church home.

Bo loved to go for a drive and stop and chat with just about anyone. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, smoking something on the grill, and time with his granddaughter, teaching her to ride dirt bikes safely and learn archery — he wanted to attend every practice and competition. His granddaughter was his greatest love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Patricia Allen; his sisters, Diane Mettlen and Julie Allen; and his daughter, Samantha Lynn Allen.

He is survived by his wife, Maryann; his boys, Timothy and Christopher, and a third honorary son, Bocephus; his sisters, Pam, Brenda, Connie, and Becky; his granddaughter, Jecka; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many.

From his boys: "He was just nice enough to be mean, he was good enough to be bad, he was just rough enough to be gentle, he was the strongest person I've ever known. He was my superman."

A bonfire celebration of Bo's life will be held at the family home on Saturday, November 7, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. All who loved him are welcome to join.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving toward Bo's final expenses, through Goettsch Funeral Home, the family, or Apostolic Assembly of Anamosa.