James Adrian Carson

James Adrian Carson, age 76, peacefully left this world on February 23, 2026. A lifelong East Tennessean, Jim was born in Morristown, Tennessee, the eldest son of Donald Ralph Carson of White Pine and Carmen Mendoza "Lily" Carson of Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Jim graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1968 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1970 to 1976. Jim attended East Tennessee State University and graduated from Southern Oregon University in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Guided by a deep commitment to serving others, Jim dedicated 33 years to the Oak Ridge Housing Authority, where he served as Executive Director until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his tenure, he championed working families, single parents, the elderly, and veterans-helping thousands secure permanent, supportive housing and a pathway to greater stability. His leadership was marked by mentorship, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of every person.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in music, woodworking, and welcoming friends and family into his beloved Outer Drive "treehouse", where he happily resided for more than 40 years. Whether listening to Motown legends like Smokey Robinson or the singer songwriters of the 1970s, cooking a great meal, mixing a perfect margarita, or building furniture in his workshop, Jim was most at home in the space he created with his own hands. He loved spirited debates, long conversations, and sharing humorous observations from the wraparound wooden deck he built in 1997. His treehouse was even featured in the 2002 Oak Ridge Parade of Homes, a point of pride he carried with him.

In his later years, Jim faced Alzheimer's disease with courage and grace. When it came time to sell his home, he was comforted knowing it would be cherished by new owners who had admired it for years and understood the love and labor Jim poured into the treehouse.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Sarah Carson Roberto (Andrew Roberto), his son, Bryan Alexander Ailey (Ginger Ailey), and his cherished girlfriend of seven years, Susan McAffry. He also leaves behind many dear friends he deeply valued, including Kerry Mitchell, Larry Washam, Jan Bolen, Jim Ratliff, Mary Yancy, Marilyn Gilchrist, and every member of the Oak Ridge Housing Authority team.

He was preceded in death by his beloved younger brother and best friend, Donald R. Carson, Jr., whose heroic work in health and safety at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 attacks remain a source of profound pride for the entire Carson family.

Jim is also survived by his sisters, Evelyn Carson Craver (Steve Craver) and Trish Carson LaMontagne; his five nieces and two nephews, whom he adored.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Rose/Mann Heritage Chapel, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5:00pm.

In honor of Jim's lifelong dedication to service-both in uniform and in his community-the family requests donations to Clinch River Habitat for Humanity at https://clinchriverhfh.org/.