James C. “Papa” Carlson, Bluffton, had time to say his goodbyes to his family and friends. Secure in the knowledge that his work on earth was done and surrounded by his family, he passed away from a prolonged illness, including kidney disease, at his home in his favorite chair on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the age of 79.
Jim is survived by his loving children, Raine Carlson Spott of Schererville, Ind., Diana (Jim) Yonker of Bluffton, Christine (Dr. Michael) Rotheker of Elkhart, Ind., and a daughter-in-law, Darcy Carlson of Knox, Ind. He is also survived by a brother, Paul (Claudia) Carlson of Cedar Lake, Ind., and two sisters, Sue (Ed) Pavelka of Hobart, Ind., and Nance (Rob Gale) Carlson of Punta Gorda, Fla. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren — Maritza and Lauren Spott; Jenna, Brynn, and Matthew Yonker; Aidan, Sarah, and Emily Rotheker; and Zachery, Alex, AJ, and Savannah Carlson — and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Andrea “Nana” (Lockridge) Carlson; his much-loved son, James Keith Carlson; his parents, Clarence and Helen Szumilas Carlson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Katherine “Kitty” and John Batliner.
Jim was born Dec. 13, 1942, in Hammond, Ind. He graduated from Hammond Tech in 1961 and proudly joined the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of sergeant. He married Andrea, his high school sweetheart, and settled in Merrillville, Ind. The couple spent , 56 years together. He worked 32 years for Indiana Bell Telephone Co. and retired to Bluffton in 1998.
He was a member of the American Legion, Bluffton Elks, and a past member of The Hammond Mohawks. Jim was an avid golfer and achieved his lifetime goal by getting a hole in one! He loved time with his family, a good joke, and breakfast at The Corner Depot, especially French toast Fridays!
The family would like to give special thanks to friends and neighbors for their kind care and support.
Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the American Legion Post 111 Honor Guard and can be sent to the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com