James William Carson, son of James and Alice (Sutton) Carson, was born January 28, 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Grand View Park in Des Moines. He was raised and received his education in Des Moines, graduating from East High School in 1958 where he attended every class reunion. Starting at age 18, he drove truck for 34 years and also became a Teamster member. He married Joyce Du Bois in 1962 and to this marriage two children were born, Carla and James. This union was later dissolved.

On July 10, 1982, he was united in marriage to Charlotte (Hanson) Haack and from this marriage he inherited six stepchildren. He enjoyed all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he fondly liked to nickname. Jim took great pleasure in telling jokes, as well as playing them, and storytelling. He loved talking on the phone, riding "Henry", his old Ford tractor, and driving his restored 1976 Oldsmobile, named "Whitey".

Survivors include his wife Charlotte, Rutland, IA; children: Carla (Kevin) Holzworth, Monroe, OR; Gloria Alexander, Austin, TX; Dianne Whitacre, Wesley, IA; Harry (Jeanine) Haack, Algona, IA; Carol (Randy) Holmes, Algona, IA; Brenda (Gary) Stille, Storm Lake, IA; and Linda Richmond, Janesville, WI; 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alice Carson, infant son James W. Carson II; and his sister, Delores Guyer. Jim was a member of First Lutheran Church, Algona, the Moose Lodge since 1984, and a Teamster member for 32 years. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.