James Alexander Carswell

James (Lex) Alexander Carswell slipped peacefully from this earth into the arms of His Savior on December 22, 2021. James was 65 years old. He was the loving husband of Sherry Carswell, devoted father to Jamie (Ronald) Boyes, Jake (Chrissy) Carswell, and Joshua (Cheri) Carswell. James had his favorite people though which included Mason, Brooklyn, Gunner, Reegan, Talon, Lexa, Harli, Hailey and Loch.

James was born in Hiawassee, Georgia to Dr. John and Sara Carswell. The family moved to California in 1958 and settled in Santa Barbara (SB). In his youth, James developed a passion for motorcycle racing and was fondest of motorcycle Flat Tracking. James raced professionally under the name of Lex and traveled twice throughout the USA racing at as many tracks as possible, including Daytona where he was able to ride his Yamaha 250 Twin on the road racing course. James also raced at the Kingdom, and has a first-place trophy to show for it. Throughout his illness, racing continued to be a part of his life as he would watch races from his bed.

Raised in the SB First Baptist Church, James met his future wife in that church at the age of four. Fifteen years later, as a love-struck teen, James married the love of his life in that same church. Shortly after the birth of his daughter Jamie, James moved his family to Monroe, WA where he worked in the construction business, building several homes in the Monroe/Snohomish area. Construction was always a part of his life but with a growing family (Jake arriving in 1978 and Josh arriving in 1982), James became a rural mail carrier for the needed medical insurance. James worked out of the Sultan, Woodinville and Snohomish Post Offices for over 26 years. James took pride in making sure each address received their mail at the “appointed” time and being a racer at heart, James could be seen on any day racing to finish his mail route and beat his last recorded time.

In 2005, James joined the Police Reserve Academy through the Duvall Police Department where he was voted President of his Academy. Upon graduation, James worked as a reserve police officer volunteering his time working patrol and responding to calls. His work ethic was rewarded when he accepted a full-time position with the Lake Forest Park Police Department. He began the academy in 2005 at 49 years old and was quickly nicknamed “grandpa” by classmates. He loved being a police officer and would constantly remark to anyone listening that he couldn’t “believe he was being paid to do this!” In 2012, He took his career a step further and became a K9 handler and was partnered with K9 Hector. He would remain partnered with K9 Hector for the remainder of their careers. James and K9 Hector were two of the most recognizable officers and were constantly guests at public events and block parties. In 2020, James was diagnosed with prostate cancer and forced into retirement. Had he remained healthy, James may have been on patrol into his 70’s.

James is best known for being the steady, solid patriarch of his family. He would do anything on earth to attend one of his children or grandchildren’s games or events. He was unrivaled in his ability to make every family member feel special and proud of themselves. He was the most passionate husband, dad and grandaddy to ever walk this earth. To try to sum up his life in a written message is impractical and impossible.

Despite the incredible pain his illness created, James kept his eye on the prize and walked through cancer valiantly. Every Sunday he would somehow muster up the courage and energy to attend Sunday dinners at his children’s homes. Never one for pity, he would stone face answer, “Oh, not too bad” when asked how he was feeling. He was a man led by Jesus Christ and held on to the comfort that Jesus provided him. He knew his end result was complete freedom and eternal happiness in heaven. He would want every reader of this message to seek after the Truth found only in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. There is much craziness in this world but James found peace in a deep relationship with Jesus.

Besides his immediate family, James is survived by his brother John, brother Vance, Sister Gayle (Ken) Morgan, mother-in-law Rachel Palm and father-in-law Louis (Carolyn) Robinson. Also included are Uncle Bo, Uncle Jim and Aunt Marge, along with many nieces and nephews. James will sorely be missed by his extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents and sister Sali Borseno. In lieu, of flowers donations may be made to www.findingthefinish.com or to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County.