James William

Carson

This week we say goodbye to a man whose zest for life was felt by all who knew him.

James "Jimmy" William Carson died in A bilene on April 28, 2023 at the age of 78. Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Sweetwater, Jimmy graduated from Newman High School and joined the United States Navy in 1965 . He served with honor during the Vietnam War and was awarded an Expert Pistol medal while serving in Guam. He was also awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Jimmy graduated from North Texas State University (University of North Texas) and ma rried Kenny Wilson. After living in Dallas for several years, they returned to their hometown of Sweetwater to raise their f amily. Jimmy never met a stranger and brought smiles and laughter to all he met. Known as a practical joker and consummate story tell er, you never knew what Jimmy would say next. No matter what came out of his mouth, his heart was pure, and his goal was t o spread joy. He often looked forward to playing bridge and dining out with friends. Always one to enjoy life, he often spent his youn g er years hunting, golfing and playing tennis. His family was a source of pride, and he generously gave what he had to h is children and wife. After winning the lottery in 1996, he continued life with a little less stress, but a renewed desire to travel and celebrate the good times, especially going on cruises and visiting his children.

He joined organizations like the Swe etwater Lions Club, Sweetwater Shrine Club, Sweetwater Jaycees and the Sweetwater Masonic Lodge, where he became Master of the Lodge. He also served as a Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America and a member of Brotherhood of St. Andrew, National Speleol ogy Society, National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Mine Warfare Association. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 52 year s , Kenny; brother Dru Carson and sister-in-law Linda of Sweetwater; son The Reverend Stephen Carson, daughter-in-law Julie, grandson Ryan and granddaughter Megan of Victoria, Texas; and daughter Amanda (Carson) McNew , son-in-law Matthew, granddaughter Cars o n and grandson Lucas of Plano, Texas.

He is preceded in death by father William Fletcher Carson, Mother Theda Laverne Richards Carson and brother Jack Richards Carson. Visitation will be held at McCoy Funeral Ho me on Thursday , May 4, 2023, 5:30 p.m. – 7 :00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene on Friday , May 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. directed by McCoy Funeral Home. Masonic graveside rites will be performed by Sweetwater Lo dge #571. Military rites will be performed by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Father Bryan Callen will hold services also. In lieu of flowers, the Carson family requests donations be made to the Williams Syndrome Association at http://williams-syndrome.org/