James Robert Carlson

James (Jim) R. Carlson passed away 21 December 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 85. Jim was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on 15 March, 1940 to his Mother, Luella (Rhoades) Carlson and Dr. Carl Robert Carlson. Jim was raised in Wauneta, Nebraska, where he graduated from Wauneta Rural High School in 1957. He was active in Scouts, Choir, Band, Church, and numerous other activities. The youngest of three siblings, Jim spent one semester at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln before joining the US Navy in 1958. He graduated from Navy RTC on 20 August 1958 at the Naval Training Center - San Diego, California. After completing his Recruit and advanced training as a Corpsman, Jim was stationed in San Diego and then Long Beach California, where he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Frazer in 1961. After completing his Navy enlistment, Jim and Margaret were married on 22 December 1962. After the birth of their first daughter, Luanne, the family moved to Colorado where Jim completed his Bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado - Boulder. While there, they had another daughter, Kathy. Upon graduation, Jim went to work for the US Army as an engineer in Rock Island, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. He continued to excel as an Army civilian, was certified as an Army Acquisition Leader, and moved to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, in 1986, where he ultimately retired from Civil Service as a Senior Civilian in 1997. Jim and Margaret moved to Arizona and then to California to be closer to family.

Jim is predeceased by his Mother, Father, Sister Minnie Ellen Briggs (Carlson), and Sister-In-Law Kathy Hughes-Casanova (Frazer). He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Carlson (Frazer), his Sister Roberta Innes (Carlson), his Daughters; Dr. Luanne Carlson and Kathy Carlson and her Wife Stephanie, his Nephew David Hughes and his Wife Misty, and countless friends and chosen and adopted "Framily" from his countless interactions supporting youth sports, exchange students, Parent-Teacher Organizations, and other military and civilian support organizations throughout his life.

Jim was a US Navy Veteran, a US Army Senior Civilian (Retired), a 50-year Master Mason, a Life Member of NARFE, the American Legion, the VFW Auxiliary Post 304, and a member of the Maryland Pup Tent 3 MOC Auxiliary. He loved spending time with friends and comrades over stamp and coin collecting, and never passed up an opportunity to share his knowledge through talks and displays. Jim had a love for music, mentoring, and cooking that he passed to his daughters and others around him. He was a Husband, Son, Brother, Pop, Leader, and Mentor to many. His sphere of influence and legacy are boundless.

Fair Winds and Following Seas! Until we meet again, We have the Watch!

If you desire, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Military Women's Memorial (womensmemorial.org) where he was dedicated from groundbreaking through 2026, to ensuring that strong Women, like his two daughters, will have their service and stories remembered.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28