Celebrating 28 Days of Black Excellence. Past and Present: Chief Judge John D. Allen

Throughout the month of February, The Courier Eco Latino will honor Black History Month by spotlighting one local African American leader—past or present—each day. The series will feature trailblazers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and unsung heroes whose contributions have helped shape the soul, strength, and future of our community.

These are stories that may not always make headlines, but make a difference every day. From classrooms to boardrooms, from pulpits to protest lines, from small businesses to grassroots movements, each honoree reflects resilience, leadership, and service rooted right here at home.

Hon. John Allen (Jan. 17, 1943- Feb. 16, 2025) was a distinguished Georgia jurist, decorated United States Air Force veteran and longtime public servant whose career spanned military aviation, law, and the judiciary.

Allen was born Jan. 17, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia, to Beatrice and Daniel Allen. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University in 1966, where he participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and was designated a Distinguished Military Cadet. He received a commission as a regular officer in the United States Air Force.

During his military service, Allen obtained top secret clearance and served as a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom jet. He also worked as a flight and academic instructor and completed two combat tours in Southeast Asia. His military honors included five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 23 Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of captain.

Following his military career, Allen pursued graduate studies at the University of South Florida before turning his focus to law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida in 1975.

Allen established a private law practice in Columbus, Georgia, where he gained broad experience in civil and criminal litigation. He later served as city attorney for Geneva, Georgia, and as a Recorder’s Court judge in Columbus.

In 1987, Allen became a State Court judge. He served in that role until 1993, when he was appointed Superior Court judge for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, overseeing cases across six counties. His judicial career was marked by a reputation for fairness, discipline and legal scholarship.

Allen was also recognized for his leadership beyond the bench. He was selected by the Institute for Continuing Judicial Education of Georgia to mentor newly appointed and elected State Court judges and was chosen by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve on the Court Futures Vanguard, a group tasked with developing strategies to prepare Georgia’s courts for future challenges.

His civic service included roles with the Columbus Airport Commission, the Columbus High School Vocational Education Advisory Board, the Urban League Board of Directors, the Area Ten Special Olympics Advisory Board, and the African American Historic Preservation Society.

Allen was the father of three children and remained active in community and judicial affairs throughout his career, leaving a lasting legacy of service to the legal system and the Columbus community.