James M. "Jim" Carson

Former Grants Pass resident, James M. “Jim” Carson, age 67, of Kelso, Washington died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at OHSU Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Friday, May 20, 2011 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

A graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2011 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Grants Pass with Pastor Everett Denniston officiating. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Merlin Community Baptist Church. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to Lower Columbia Community Action Program, 1526 Commerce Avenue, Longview, Washington 98632.

Jim was born January 18, 1944 in Hood River, Oregon to Charles & Ellen Carson. He graduated from Grants Pass High School class of 1962. On June 13, 1964 at Newman United Methodist Church in Grants Pass he married, Dorothy Jean Hixson. In 1965 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1967 to 1972 he lived in Roseburg and then lived in the Medford and Grants Pass areas and a brief time in Northern California until 1999 when he moved to Kelso, Washington. He worked in the grocery business until his retirement from Safeway in Kelso in 2009.

His memberships include Merlin Community Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and youth leader; Precinct Committee Officer, Republican Party-Josephine County; Teamsters & Chauffeurs, Local 962 of Southern Oregon; United Food & Commercial Workers, Local 555-Longview, Washington.

He enjoyed volunteering his time providing medical transportation for elderly and disabled citizens through Columbia Community Assistance Program (CAP) of Longview, Washington; and donating blood through the American Red Cross since 1969.

Jim’s hobbies included spending time with family and friends, gardening, golfing, and was an avid Seattle Mariners fan.

In addition to his wife, Dorothy J. Carson of Kelso, Washington; he is survived by two sons, David M. Carson and Douglas C. Carson both of Redmond, Washington; a daughter, Sandra E. Carson-Manns of Ashland, Oregon; a granddaughter, Jasmine R. Manns of Ashland, Oregon; a sister, Sallie A. Worden of Kennewick, Washington; and two brothers, Joseph K. Carson of Kennewick, Washington and Jerry A. Carson of Everett, Washington.