James Edward Carson “Jim”, “J.C.”, 72, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed peacefully from this earth surrounded by loved ones on August 23, 2023. A man known for his boisterous humor and deep love for his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. Born to Bill and Mary Ann Carson in Enid, Oklahoma on July 16, 1951. Jim was raised with his sister, Deborah on the family farm in Jet, Oklahoma. The family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1956. Growing up he spent his summers with his family harvesting wheat in Jet and vacationing in Creede, Colorado. He attended Cheyenne Mountain High School where he lettered in Baseball and Football and was team co-captain. An avid skier with a great sense of adventure, he traveled to Zermatt, Switzerland and skied the Matterhorn as a senior in High School. After High School, he attended the University of Northern Colorado before working as a lineman for Mountain Bell. He married Laurie Thomas in 1975, and they shared 21 years of marriage. Together they had two daughters, Casey Ann and Sarah Kaitlin. They enjoyed raising their girls, taking trips to Lake Powell and dancing with friends. James became manager for Bob Penkhus Volvo Mazda and won many awards as top salesman. He later followed in his father’s footsteps and became the Southern Colorado Sales Manager for Robinson Brick Company. The man could sell anything to anyone. Jim was also a member of the Sertoma Club of Colorado.
In 1998, he was lucky enough to marry the second love of his life, Rita Stone in Lake Tahoe, California. With this marriage he gained a granddaughter, Sage, and his stepdaughter, Heather. Heather donated a kidney to him via paired donation in 2011 that gave us 12 more fun and loving years with him. J.C. and Rita had a ball dancing to Flash Cadillac, even winning a twist contest. They enjoyed relaxing at the cabin, hosting Bronco parties and being with family and friends. They made many trips to visit Rita’s family in Minnesota, who all thought he was the funniest character they had ever met. Her family rarely came to see her in Colorado until she married Jim and then she couldn’t keep them away. J.C. and Rita celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past July.
He loved dancing, laughing, good music, the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies (when they were winning), cooking, nature, history, fly-fishing at the family’s cabin, his grandkids and grand puppies. He was the best Papa in the world to his four grandchildren and made us all laugh up until the very end.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Bill E. Carson and Mary Ann Carson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and is survived by his wife, Rita Ann; sister, Deborah Ann; daughters: Casey Ann (Josh), Sarah Kaitlin (Jamie), Heather Elisabeth (Craig); grandchildren: Madison Brenner, Sage Elisabeth, Finley Sage and Hayden Kincaid.
When you think of him, remember the good times had and all the laughs.
A celebration of life will be held later in the fall.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Donate Life America.