James Richard Carlson

James Richard Carlson died peacefully in his home on April 28, 2014. He was born on January 9, 1929 in Spokane, Washington to Vera and E. William Carlson. Jim grew up in Spokane, graduating salutatorian from John Rogers High School. He went on to Whitman College, where he received a BA in English language and literature and a Master’s degree in teaching. He graduated Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Sigma Rho, speech honorary. Jim, otherwise known as “Mr. Carlson,” taught English at Olympia High School from 1951 to 1981. He served as head of the English Department, debate coach, director of summer school, and president of the Olympia Federation of Teachers. His debate team won the state championship in 1959. He was also chairman of the National Forensics Association for Washington and a founding member of the Washington State Debate Coaches’ Association, serving as president for three terms. In 2013, he had the great honor of being inducted into the Olympia High School Hall of Fame for his distinguished service to the school. Upon retiring from teaching, Jim worked first as a travel agent and then at the Fireside Bookstore for 20 years, which was a perfect job for a retired English teacher and lover of books. Thanks to his part-time position at the Fireside, he did not truly retire until the age of 80. In 2012, he served as a writer on The Olympian’s Board of Contributors, a position he thoroughly enjoyed. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In 1958, he married his former (and favorite) student, Carol Tamblyn. They enjoyed a 55-year marriage, raising two daughters and sharing a love of politics, reading, baseball, and music. He was very proud of the fact that both of his daughters followed in his footsteps and became teachers. Jim will always be remembered not only for being an extremely talented and dedicated educator, but also for his strong beliefs in equal rights for all. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his daughters, Betty Carlson (Thierry Jouanneteau) in Gages, France, and Cathy Thome (Mark) in Olympia; his sister, Betty Gendler (Gus) in Fort Collins, Colorado; his granddaughters, Brennan Thome, Amy Thome, Charlotte Jouanneteau, and Daphne Jouanneteau. At Jim’s request, memorial donations can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104. Please leave memories of Jim or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.