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James Carson Obituary
At his birth, his parents resided in the Habersham Mills community of Habersham County. He attended Habersham Mills elementary school and graduated from North Habersham High School in 1969. After graduation, he continued his education at Young Harris College and completed his degree in education at the University of Georgia.
Music was a major part of his life. From the early days of learning from his father to play a guitar to playing numerous band instruments, he was able to combine his love for music and his love for teaching to become a band director. In addition to being proficient in playing instruments, James was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Through high school and college, he performed in musical theater productions and was honored to be chosen to sing with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus. From family singalongs to church choirs to professional pursuits, music shaped the direction of his life.
James was raised in a Baptist church, attended a Methodist-affiliated college as a student, and connected with the Lutheran church as an adult. Though his religious denominations changed during the phases of his life, his love for Jesus never wavered.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Lucille Roberts Carson, as well as an infant sister, Sherry Carson. He is survived by his sister, Carol Carson; and his niece, Caitlyn Carson.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia, with Rev. Tim Morgan and Rev. Matthew Butler officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 3381, Cleveland, Ga 30528, or to a charity of your choice.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin and McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Carson
4 Entries
Fred Forsh
October 22, 2025
I first met "Carson," as many of us called him, when he was an assistant band director at Cherokee High School in Canton, GA, my hometown. When I returned during my college senior year to do my student teaching, he was hired to become the first band and chorus director at the second high school in the county to open the following school year, Etowah High School. As he was familiar with my music composing and arranging abilities, he commissioned me to compose an Alma Mater and a fight song for it, an honor I still cherish 49 years later. My prayers for the comfort, peace, and strength of God go out to all his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest Well, James Carson! Rest Well!
Elaine Beasley
October 20, 2025
James was my son's band director for 3 for his 4 years at Etowah High School. I worked with him as a member of the Band Boosters Club. He was a wonderful person and a very beloved teacher by his students. He will be remembered fondly by a lot of people. Rest in peace, James. Condolences to his family.
Kim ( Conner) Chatman
October 20, 2025
My beloved high school band director for 3 yrs at EHS. The leader of the band song come to mind . Rest in peace Mr Carson , and sincere condolences to family and other friends .
Brenda
October 20, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss, he was my high school band director my first year of high school... He was a wonderful teacher. He will be greatly missed.
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Memorial Events
for James Carson
Oct
19
Funeral services provided by:
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home175 VFW Post Road PO Box 725, Cornelia, GA 30531
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