Jim Carlson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

James (Jim) Joseph Carlson, age 88, passed away on June 14, 2025.

Services will be held at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 115 W. Walnut St, Columbus, Kansas 66725 on Monday, June 23rd with Rosary at 10:30 and Mass to follow at 11. Lunch will be served at the St. Rose Parish Hall across the street at 129 N. Kansas Ave after the service.

Jim was born on April 9, 1937 in East Mineral, Kansas to his parents Joseph (Joe) & Gladys (Bramlett) Carlson (both deceased). Jim grew up in Mineral and spent much of his life living in Columbus, Kansas until relocating to Carl Junction, MO after retirement.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene (Simpson) Carlson. Jim and Marlene just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, having been married on June 11, 1960. He is also survived by his two sons Steve Carlson, and his fiance Amy Manning, and Doug Carlson.

He is also survived by his three grandchildren Joe Carlson, Chas Carlson and his wife Amy, and Cassie Stone and her husband Tyler, as well as four great grandchildren Luke Carlson, Lillian (Lily) Carlson, Lizabeth (Lizy) Carlson, Logan Carlson. In addition, Jim has many loved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his sisters Lucille Warner and her husband Vern, Dorothy Saplata and her husband Rudy, and Gwenith Blake and her husband Leon.

Jim maintained many good friends from high school and remained close with Don Oplotnik, a lifelong friend since grade school, and his wife Carolyn.

Jim graduated from West Mineral High School and was both employed and self-employed in various roles as a driver, salesman, clerk and tire builder over the years starting with the U.S. Agriculture Census Bureau, Saporito Beverage and B.F Goodrich. Jim drove millions of miles over the years as a self-employed trucker and as a school bus driver for United School District 493 in Columbus, KS from 1975 until his retirement in 2005.

Jim was a major sports fan watching baseball, basketball, golf, and especially football, including local sports of the Columbus Titans and PSU Gorillas. After being a lifetime fan, he was very excited to see the Kansas City Chiefs win their recent Super Bowls.