James Myron Carlson

James (Jim) Myron Carlson, devoted husband, father and grandfather (Papa) passed away peacefully at home in Orlando on April 27, 2025, at the age of 77. A man of integrity, humor, and grace, Jim leaves behind a legacy of friendship and love that will forever be etched in the hearts of those he knew and loved. His contagious smile, shared with everyone he met, lit up the room. He never met a stranger.

Jim was born in Denver, Colorado (hence his love of the Broncos!) to loving parents, Edwin and Joyce Carlson. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1965 and enlisted into the Navy in 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War. He became a skilled air traffic controller and was stationed at the Naval Air Station Bermuda until 1973. It was here he met his beloved wife, Nancy, on beautiful Horseshoe Beach. Nancy always proclaimed it was “love at first sight” and nearly 51 years later, their love story has inspired many.

A motorcycle accident on January 1, 1973, left Jim with devastating injuries, the one most prominent and recognizable to all, his permanently paralyzed left arm. Part of Jim’s legacy will be how he never let his physical limitations define him, and despite numerous obstacles to overcome, Jim relied on his quiet strength and a determination to love and live every moment he was given.

Jim and Nancy married in 1974 in Peabody, Massachusetts and started forging their life together, enjoying family and friends and the charming culture of New England. He pivoted his skillset to accounting in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston. In 1981, Jim and Nancy welcomed their first son, Christopher, into their lives, with second son, Shawn, arriving three years later. Jim’s greatest joy and pride in life came from raising his two sons and witnessing their many accomplishments in life.

A move to Florida came in 1987 when then Martin Marietta offered Jim a job in his field as a Procurement Professional. Jim’s gregarious personality had set up his long-term career success in this field at General Electric Aircraft Engine Group in Lynn, Massachusetts, it continued with his move to Martin Marietta in Orlando, and culminated in his career at the Walt Disney World Resort. He finally retired in 2004. During those 15 years, Jim was always so proud to be part of the Disney Family and contribute to making magic for people around the world.

Jim and Nancy lived in the home they built in Turnburry Woods for a full 38 years in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando. They enjoyed a broad spectrum of activities during those years, with ping pong, bowling, and golf among Jim’s favorites. They built many lasting friendships, especially within the Holy Family Catholic community. Jim lived his faith daily and generously gave of his time in the Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, ushering, and St Vincent de Paul. His memory will live on through the many people whose lives he touched in these ministries.

Jim and Nancy shared a passion for travel and were fortunate to have many adventures together all over the country and the world. But cruising was his favorite pastime, and he treasured the lazy days when he could meet and make many “cruise buddies.”

Jim adored his sons and his daughter-in-law, Kayla, and recently discovered pure joy with the birth of his first granddaughter, Matilda. He also loved his dog Jaxon, who will miss him terribly.

With Jim’s passing came so many beautiful sentiments from so many. They all had the same theme: “Jim was the kindest, most gentle spirit I ever knew. Jim had a keen sense of humor and witty comments for everyone and every situation.” (although Nancy often said he needed new material!).

Jim’s uplifting personality brought warmth to all, and his passing will be mourned deeply by many.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, his sons Shawn & Chris, his daughter-in-law Kayla and granddaughter Matilda; his sister Jan, brother-in-law Ray, and nephew Trevor Nelson; his brother-in-law Joseph Grelish and wife Norrine; his sister-in-law Patti Grelish, and his niece Jackie Regan and nephew John Grelish.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jim’s name to the American Heart Association would be most welcome.

A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. A committal service will occur Friday, May 9, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US 1, Mims, FL 32754.