James “Jim” Carlson

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 31, 1931
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Age:
90 years old

Visitation

Date: Tuesday May 31, 2022
Time: 10:00 am

Location: Autumn Ridge Timothy Chapel [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Tuesday May 31, 2022
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Autumn Ridge Timothy Chapel [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Oronoco Cemetery

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 31, 1931
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Age:
90 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 31, 1931
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Age:
90 years old

James “Jim” Carlson

James “Jim” Carlson, age 90, added his beautiful tenor voice to the heavenly choirs on May 22, 2022, nine days shy of his 91st birthday. He is now in the joyful presence of his Lord and Savior, where his new life has begun! Jim leaves behind his children Scott (Andrea) Carlson, Kimberly (Jon) Sorensen, and Heather Carlson as well as his grandchildren James (Lauren), Linnea (Lane), Maria, Hayden, William, and Christian; his sister Joyce (Les) Bankson, brother-in-law Dixon Jones, brother/sister-in-law Bill and Cyndie Hay, and also a precious group of cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be welcomed into heaven by his cherished wife Beth, his parents Arnold and Hilda, and his little sister Donna Jones. Jim was born in Duluth, MN on May 31,1931, grew up near Lake Superior and attended Denfeld High School and the University of MN before heading West with Beth, his adventurous wife of 57 years. They landed in California where Jim served as a dean of the library at American River College in Sacramento for 30 years. He loved to take his family camping, backpacking, to the San Francisco opera or any classical concert, and across the country to National Parks or home to Duluth in whatever car he currently owned. Jim was active in his church, and raised his family to know and love the Lord. He was passionate about nature and getting out and exploring, and equally passionate about buying used cars, sometimes on the way home from work. Jim’s presence could fill a room, and his family never knew what he would say next. He loved to paint with watercolors, play the piano, and do creative yard projects. He never turned down coffee with a cookie or two, and he made delicious popovers and pancakes on Saturdays for his beloved family.

We will celebrate Jim at a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31st at Autumn Ridge Church’s Timothy Chapel, 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902 with Rev. Karen Foster officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Dad loved ice cream, so we will celebrate his birthday with lunch and hot fudge sundaes following the service. Jim was laid to rest with military honors for his Navy service in a private family ceremony at the Oronoco Cemetery. Our family is grateful for the entire Waters staff, who showed us love in action day after day. Dad enjoyed his home and all of you. Memorials preferred to the Salvation Army or Autumn Ridge Church.

“Better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of James “Jim” Carlson has received the following condolences.

Jim was Dean of Library Services at American River College while I was there as librarian in 1967.  I retired in 1992.  I consider the years he was Dean as the fun years.  There were parties for every occasion, most held in the large break room on 3rd floor.  But others were hosted by Beth & him at their home in El Dorado Hills. 


He was always upbeat and funny.  When he gave the one hour orientation talk to visiting  classes, he whipped out a dollar from his pocket and bet them they would ......(you name it).  Sometimes he would do this while standing atop one of the tables, waving the dollar.  That really caught the students' attention. 


I think one of his claims to fame was in getting his ideas on a new library design accepted by the architects and powers that be.  And there it still stands, newly renovated and added to, but it still has the original "bones", a testament to his perseverance and leadership.


I really enjoyed working with him during his tenure at the library, and have never forgotten him.


My sympathy to the family.

To the Carlson family-


I have so many fond memories of your father and all the times the Daniel and Carlson families spent together when we were all much younger. Your dad was always so fun and funny, but yet stern and no nonsense, as a babysitter for us all. Like Cindy recalled, his Liberace imitaitons at the piano were a huge favorite...the wisker burns on the cheek, not quite as fun :)


The strong and loving family that you all enjoy is a legacy to the wonderful parents that have raised you. Although I'm sure you'll miss your dad, knowing he's together again with your mom is a comfort I'm sure.  


 


Our condolences and best wishes for a wonderful ice cream celebration in honor of your father!  Sounds like exactly the sort of celbration my dad ould love :)


 


Collette and Steve