James Thomas Carlson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James T. Carlson (Jim), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Jim left this world on April 16, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. His was truly a life well lived.

Jim began working at his father’s food stand on the Wildwood New Jersey boardwalk in 1956. He worked at The New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden helping build naval combatants until was employed by Public Service Electric and Gas in the early 60s, where he worked his way from meter reader to commercial sales agent, retiring in 2000. He was highly depended on by coworkers and the community throughout his service. His reputation of the “go-to guy” followed him into retirement as he became a highly trusted board member/resident of Riverside Towers in Florida since 2000. Jim brought energy and a smile to the people in his life, family, friends and strangers always making the impression “What a Great Guy!” - “What a Great Man!” Indeed, he was the embodiment of what a great father, loving husband, and great man should be.

Through his brother Al he met Mary Ann Sadleir, who captured his heart at the age of 17, and they married May 19th, 1962 and never looked back. After they married they adopted their three children, James D., Timothy, and Laura, raising their family in Runnemede, New Jersey, and spending summers down the Jersey shore. Their marriage of 62 years is a testament to their unwavering love and devotion to each other, their children, and grandchildren.

Jim and Mary Ann enjoyed many activities throughout their lives. In their younger years they played tennis, bowled and they were active in many different clubs. For years Jim was instrumental with Mary Ann in helping the establishment of the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden New Jersey, serving meals and picking up food donations to benefit those less fortunate, and spreading the charity’s mission. In retirement, they began golfing and going on many different cruises where they would try adventurous excursions that were not for the faint of heart – including white water rafting on a stage IV river, and hiking a switchback mountainside trail. They loved hosting their four grandchildren for ice cream and fishing. Jim was a lifelong fan of horse racing, and could tell you the favorites on any given day, and on which horse to bet based on the trainer and jockey. He was also a huge Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan, barely ever missing a game, whether it be on his transistor radio in the ‘50s through the ‘90s or on TV.

Jim’s incredible ability to connect with people and always lend a helping hand to those in need will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live in the hearts of all who knew him or crossed paths with him. He wishes to be remembered as “someone who loved his wife and children and thought there was good somewhere in everyone.”

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Ann, his son Timothy, and his brother Al Jr. He is survived by his son James and daughter in law Denise, daughter Laura and her partner Joe, and his grandchildren Jaimie, John, Luke, and James.

A service will be held at 11am on May 17th at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Pompano Beach. He will be interred over the summer with Mary Ann and Timothy in New Jersey. The family would be grateful for donations to Cathedral Kitchen, Camden New Jersey, in honor of James T. Carlson, who spent many, many hours in service there. Donations may be sent to Cathedral Kitchen, 1514 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105, or by visiting https://cathedralkitchen.org/.