UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 198
Page 1 of 2
XXXX 7/14/2023 9:20 AM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of James W. 1
"Jitter" Allen. 2
WHEREAS, James W. "Jitter" Allen, of Frankfort, Kentucky, was born on October 3
23, 1942, to the late William "Bill" and Ora Mae Allen in Martin, Kentucky; and 4
WHEREAS, after graduating from Martin High School in 1960, Jitter attended 5
Pikeville College and the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science; and 6
WHEREAS, Jitter was a true Renaissance man: he began his career as a licensed 7
funeral director and embalmer at Hall Brothers Funeral Home in Martin, and thereafter 8
worked as a deputy sheriff, deputy coroner, paramedic, railway dispatcher, marine 9
salesman, and coal leasing agent; and 10
WHEREAS, Jitter served as a State Representative for Kentucky's 95th Legislative 11
District for two terms beginning in January 1976. During his tenure, Jitter served as the 12
Vice Chairman of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, Chairman of the 13
Surface Mining Subcommittee, and delegate for the 1976 Democratic National 14
Convention; and 15
WHEREAS, after his service in the General Assembly, Jitter served as the 16
legislative liaison for Governor Martha Layne Collins; and 17
WHEREAS, following his service to Governor Collins, Jitter began his own 18
lobbying firm, Allen & Associates, where he represented clients with integrity and 19
honesty for over 35 years, with his first client being Philip Morris; and 20
WHEREAS, when he wasn't "walking the marble floors" of the Capitol, Jitter was 21
an avid outdoorsman; his stories that didn't discuss politics usually included tales of his 22
many adventures hunting and fishing throughout the United States; and 23
WHEREAS, Jitter was known for his larger-than-life persona, and will be 24
remembered as a "legend" to all those who knew him; and 25
WHEREAS, Jitter departed this earthly life on July 4, 2023, at the age of 80. He 26
was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 48 years, Emily Martin Allen; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 198
Page 2 of 2
XXXX 7/14/2023 9:20 AM Jacketed
and his brother, Richard "Dickie" Allen; and 1
WHEREAS, Jitter is survived by his son, James "Greg" Gregory (Mary-Grace) 2
Allen; several nieces, nephews, and close cousins; and his constant canine companion, JJ; 3
NOW, THEREFORE, 4
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 5
Kentucky: 6
Section 1. The members of the Senate do hereby honor the life and 7
accomplishments of James W. "Jitter" Allen. 8
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 9
memory of James W. "Jitter" Allen. 10
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 11
Resolution to Senator Gerald A. Neal for delivery to the family. 12