Rev. James Byron Carlson

Rev. James "Jim" Byron Carlson, 76, of Bear Creek died Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Mr. Carlson was born in Michigan on December 7, 1941 the son of Edward and Bertha Carlson. Jim was a Minister, living and sharing the word of God was the #1 priority in his life. He was an ingenious man, welder, ironworker and inventor. He was a builder of bridges and skyscrapers. He worked on the San Francisco Transamerica and Bank of America buildings. Jim had several patents to his credit and many witty inventions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ralph Carlson.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years: Karon Vanzant Carlson; two daughters: Ronda Scotton and husband Jay of Coleridge and Kimberly Middeke and husband Mark of Trinity; three sons: Robert Carlson and wife Audra of Laguna Nigel, CA, Rik Carlson and wife Tonya of Siler City and Brandon Carlson and wife Lindsey of Greer, SC; one brother: Jerry Carlson of Clovis, CA; and nineteen grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC. The Life Celebration will be Monday, October 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM at First Wesleyan Church, 608 N. 3rd Ave., Siler City with Rev. Don Southern officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Siler City.

Memorials may be made to Smith and Buckner Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.