John Justus "Jack" Carlson

Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on January 15, 2026. Born on September 17, 1955, in Knoxville, he enjoyed an All-American childhood and developed a lifelong love of sports. He played nearly all of them, formed long-lasting friendships, and followed the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves, though almost any sport or team could capture his interest. He loved to watch games, take his family to them, and could recall even the most obscure statistics and plays. His remarkable memory and appreciation for history, shaped by a genuine interest in others, led friends and family to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia. He never met a stranger; in fact, he often knew more about your own family's history than you did. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was a steady source of support for his family in times of need. His fondest memories were the times spent with family and friends at the cabin at the lake and on Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Jack was a proud alumnus of Kingston Corner Kindergarten, Sequoyah School, Webb School of Knoxville (including Webb Camp), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He supported West Hills Elementary School and Central United Methodist Church and was a member of the Knoxville Track Club. He completed more than 50 marathons, along with countless shorter-distance races.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. C. Sanford Carlson, Sr., and Jeanette Justus Carlson, and his nephew, Scott Carlson Polk. He is survived by his wife, Jabette Peake Carlson; daughters Kathleen Carlson Palmer (Andrew) and Jeanette Carlson Brewington (Sam); and grandsons Sampson Brewington, Harris Palmer, and John Carlson Brewington. He is also survived by his four siblings Lucie Carlson Polk (Robert); Dr. C. Sanford Carlson, Jr. (Hope); Constance Carlson Chriss (Andrew); and Martin Carlson (Marcelino); brother-in-law Ronnie Peake (Julie); nieces and nephews Molly Polk (Peter), Sanford Carlson, Frank Carlson (Sarah), Anna Marie Carlson, Lars Erik Carlson, Evan Chriss (Elizabeth), Matthew Chriss (Libby), and Riley Peake; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Thursday, January 22, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church (201 E. Third Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917). Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com