James "Swede" Allen Carlson

James Allen “Swede” Carlson, age 76, of Fort Wayne Indiana, died peacefully on Thursday September 6th, 2024, at Majestic Care of New Haven. Jim was born on September 13, 1947, in Blue Island Illinois. He was one of six children to Albert and Stephanie Carlson.

Swede married Kathleen Danahy in 1967. Jim is survived by his sons, Jimmy Dean Carlson (Marjorie Gell) and Brian Keith Carlson (Stacy Vallely); his partner Elizabeth Watson; his grandsons Jed, Cal and Joey; and granddaughters Summer and Carolyne; his siblings, Christine (Chuck) Harding, Donna Carlson (Rey) Lopez, Nancy Carlson (Paul) Grossman, Marilyn (Neil) Doermann; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Gertrude “Trudy” Knox; his parents, Stephanie and Albert Carlson; and sister Carlene Miller.

Jim was a man who exuded joy and laughter in every room he entered, brightening the lives of all those around him. He found immense pleasure in the simple joys of life – Starbucks Coffee and watching the NFL every Sunday. His love for his two boys and all his AA friends was boundless, and he cherished the thirty second phone calls with anyone who called. Jim possessed a quiet spirit, always eager to be in the moment and just play it by ear. Jim loved Las Vegas and all the countless memories that were made during football season, especially in September for his birthday. Jim’s generosity and hospitality were limitless as he hosted Thanksgiving and Superbowl gatherings that left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to attend. The coolest guy has left the building.

Memorial Gathering will be 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday September 14, 2024, at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN.