James Joseph Allman

Joe Allman, a dedicated public servant, loving husband, and devoted father, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 11. He was 79.

Born on October 17, 1945, in Washington, D.C. to a large and gregarious Irish Catholic family, he spent his early years on Capitol Hill in the District before his family moved to Suitland, Maryland. A graduate of St. John’s College High School, Class of 1963, he later earned a degree in accounting from the old Benjamin Franklin University.

He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, and after military service, he began his professional career as a budget analyst with the Veterans Administration. In 1970, he moved to Calvert County to breed thoroughbred horses, and made his permanent home in Huntingtown, where he would raise his large family, and reside for the next 55 years. In 1974, he became Calvert County’s first Director of Finance, and over the decades, he oversaw extraordinary growth, development and prosperity in the county. In 1999, he became County Administrator, continuing his service until his retirement in 2005.

After retiring, he returned to his roots, trying his luck again with thoroughbred horses, devoting his time to volunteering at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, enjoying his summer home on Virginia's Eastern Shore, and spending time with family and friends,

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Ginny; his children Joe, Jennifer, Eric, Michael, and Andrew; his stepchildren Marc and Lynn; his brothers Dan, Bea, Mike, and Tony, and sisters Margaret and Mary; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and countless in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, generosity, and dedication to public service, his Catholic faith and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, MD 20678; phone: (410) 535-0223.