October 24, 1925 - October 12, 2014
James S. Carlson, age 88, of Richfield, MN passed away peacefully on October 12, 2014 at home. Survived by Janet, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Suzanne Keefe; grandchildren, Maggie and Morgan Keefe; sisters, Betty Allen and Ara (Bob) Morrow, and 6 nieces and 5 nephews. Jim was a dedicated teacher. He was loved by generations of students, having taught for 7 years in Thief River Falls, MN and 31 years at Richfield High School. And, he loved his students, too, keeping in touch with many of them through the years. Jim taught Social Studies and was the advisor to the yearbook and newspaper in TRF, and coordinated Homecoming for many years at RHS. He also coached early in his career, and then was a constant Prowler and Spartan fan, never missing a concert, performance or sporting event at TRF and RHS. After retiring from teaching, Jim worked at Settergren Hardware for 25 years. While there, he made numerous friends and solved oodles of problems for customers. It was always with a smile and a clever quip. He loved being part of this hardware family. Jim and Jan were longtime members of Woodlake Lutheran Church. Over the years, Jim taught confirmation, was a Stephen minister, and chaired the Fellowship Committee. Once again, he touched many lives through his work. Jim was a kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather - always supportive, never critical and ready with a humorous pun for any situation. He was marvelous. He will be greatly missed.
Memorial service Friday, Oct. 17, at 11:00 AM at Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave. S., Richfield. Private Interment Ft. Snelling. Visitation Thursday, Oct. 16, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Morris Nilsen Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield, and one hour prior to service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Woodlake Lutheran Church or to Richfield Teachers Retirement Association, which provides scholarships for graduating seniors on their way to college. Jim was active in reviewing these essays and awarding the scholarships until the end.
Goodbye to my favorite teacher at Thief River Falls (class of 1957).
My condolences to Mr. Carlson’s family. One of the kindest, nicest teachers ever! Thanks for being there!
Goodbye to our great teacher at TRF (class of 1953).
Dear Family of Jim Carlson,
I am a 1985 graduate of Richfield High School. My Mom was a teacher in Richfield, and she still substitute teaches there, at age 77! My father and her still live in Richfield too! I had the privilege of having Mr. Carlson as a teacher. I can still remember his warm smile, and love for teaching. He had a kind heart, and he loved what he did! He treated all of his students with respect, and he loved teaching them new concepts each day. It was such a joy to read that he remained in the teaching profession for so long, and that he also kept busy at the Hardware store too! What a wonderful life he had!
I am currently a teacher in Wisconsin, and I love my job teaching children! Mr. Carlson had a great impact on me, and it was due to great teachers like him, that I chose this profession too! My only regret is that I didn’t track him down and tell him this in person! I know he is one of Heaven’s finest Angels looking down on us all, and guiding us through the good and challenging days!
He is one of the reasons Richfield was such an excellent place to raise a family! Carry on Mr. Carson’s legacy!! Smile often, laugh much, and take time to listen to each other, like he did!
Cherish the great memories, and God Bless,
Susan Sonday Carr
I have many wonderful memories of being in Mr. Carlson’s class at Richfield High School (Class of ’87). I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Mr Carlson was a favorite teacher! I loved his clever comments and smile… My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Mr. Carlson, you were a great teacher, in so many ways. You made a positive impact on many, many people. My family wishes yours peace and comfort.
Goodbye to a kind and gentle man! One of my favorite teachers of all time!
Richfield Class of 85…I also have been lucky to be his
neighbor for the past 12 yrs. Jim took care of everything he touched.
God has another Angel, will miss you Mr. Carlson!!!
Mr. Carlson was an amazing teacher — his classes were thought-provoking and fun. Looking back, we students at Richfield in the 70’s were blessed to have so many wonderful teachers, including you, Jan, when Joan Larson was out! My sympathy to you and all your family. May God bring you comfort and healing, Joan Stelman
Definitely one of the best teachers I ever had at RHS (Class of ’87) !!! He will be greatly missed!!
Richfield class of 1977 here. Did anybody not like this guy? Mr. Carlson, ummm…I can’t call him Jim, he was Mr. Carlson, and he ran a classroom like no other. Completely unflappable, thoroughly enjoyable to be around. Though he was the teacher, he made you feel like he was your friend who had a fun fact or three to tell you. I liked it when he would make a subtle comment about someone, and then look them in the eye and oh ya, that was directed at so and so, but he wouldn’t say…it was left unsaid, left unsaid but his rye smile gave it away if you were watching closely. I once tried to make Mr. Carlson (and the class) laugh out loud, and I succeeded, and I was quite pleased with myself that Mr. Carlson thought I made a good joke. There were a handful of teachers that we all were blessed to have and Jim Carlson was on that short list.
Received your note of the passing of JSC#2. It brought back many memories of our friendship in the Navy Storekeepers School in Farragut, Idaho in early 1944. I was glad we kept in touch through the years. I know he was a great husband, father & Grand Father. He was a great guy and we enjoyed reading all the condolences of respect and the memories involved. In my estimation, he will be long remembered for his many acts of kindness. His passing is a huge loss to those who knew him. We both ended up as First Class Petty Officers in WWII.
Alva & I enjoyed our one-time visit with you when we were in MN.
Just saw of Mr. Carlson’s passing last month. RHS Class of 1976 here. Certainly my favorite high school teacher, one who helped shape me in becoming a social studies teacher myself. Talk about a guy who was always smiling and positive with students. He was a great among many great RHS teachers in the 1970s. I will never forget him! My best to you Janet as well as your family.
Reading these condolences about a special teacher in the Richfield Public Schools reminded me of a conversation I had in our front yard one day with Jim Carlson as he was walking in the neighborhood many, many years ago. His ability to effectively express an opinion to a public policy maker has not been mentioned above and I thought this should be stated. The conversation was about the Rule of 85 and the opportunity it would provide to usher into the Richfield Public School System (and in Minnesota) younger teachers. Jim, may you rest in peace and may your legacy of quiet, well reasoned and passionate (but not pushy) communication, continue to echo in the hearts of those you touched.
Mr. Carlson was my social studies teacher during my senior year at RHS. He was extremely well-read, understood the intricacies of the politics in many geopolitical spheres and I was particulary impressed with his knowledge of the decolonization process in Africa: he knew the names of the major players, their respective competing movements, alliances and ideological leanings more than a university specialist in African history. It was thanks to him that I learned to balance my source of news information: steering me between the New York Times and The Christian Science Monitor. In what was then a fiercely Democrat-dominated Minnesota, he had us simulate the reasons to impeach or not to impeach Richard Nixon. Not a soul in class wanted to be “Tricky Dicky”‘s defender. I volunteered. He called me aside and wished me well, told me he trusted I would be okay! Of course, Dick Nixon was indefensible. I tried but failed. Over the years I’ve thought about and wished there were more dedicated, affable teachers like Jim. May he rest in everlasting peace. Farewell, great mentor!