Date of Birth:
Saturday, April 21, 1951
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Age:
60 years old

James Roy Carlson

James Roy Carlson, 60, of Rochester, passed away peacefully in his home on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, after a 13-month battle with brain cancer.

Visitation will take place in Brackenridge Hall of Calvary Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.  A Memorial Service will take place at Calvary Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Nick Mezacapa officiating.

Jim was born to Helen and Roy Carlson on April 21, 1951 in Hyattsville, Maryland.  His family moved to Roseville, Minnesota when Jim was 10.  He graduated from Northwestern University in 1973 and from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1976.  He was a partner at the law firm of O’Brien and Wolf, L.L.P. at the time of his death.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 27 years, Claudia, and his three children, Katelyn, Nicole, and Eric, and many extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter.

Jim and Claudia were married at Calvary Episcopal Church, and through the years, he was very active in this Church that he loved.  He served as Junior and Senior Warden and was involved in the stewardship and building committees, as well as helping out in many other aspects of church life.  He was a member of the Rochester Public Utility Board for 17 years, he was an assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 21 and he was a member of the Mayo Clinic Conflict of Interest Review Board, as well as belonging to numerous professional associations.

Jim had a wide variety of interests and activities.  He was an avid boater, camper, hiker, reader, appreciator of classical music, history buff, Northwestern Wildcats fan, and he loved to work around his house and in his yard.  Above all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially supporting his children in all of their endeavors.  Jim was gifted with a great sense of humor and an easygoing nature, and he always had a good story to share or a good word to say with whomever he came in contact.  He was a great husband, father and friend.   He will be truly missed by his many friends and family who loved and respected him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Calvary Episcopal Church, 111 Third Avenue, SW, Rochester, MN 55901 or to Brains Together for a Cure, P.O. Box 8353, Rochester, MN 55903 (brainstogetherforacure.org).

Lunch will be served following the service. Family is invited to a commital service in the Calvary Church courtyard following the lunch.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.