James Carson

VILLE PLATTE (Pine Prairie) – Our beloved James Braxton Carson, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 24, at Rapides Hospital after a short battle with aggressive small cell lung cancer. He was born September 15, 1934, in Ville Platte, LA, the son of James Harold Carson and Gordie Lee (West) Carson.

Also known as “Jim”, “Braxton”, “Brother”, “Fritz” and “Uncle Brother”, Jim graduated from Bayou Chicot High School before serving in the U.S. Air Force for 8 years, where he was stationed in Spain and Japan during the Korean War. While stationed in Florida following his return to the U.S., Airman Carson met and married fellow Airman Sherrill Thede of Rochester, MN. Their 21-year union produced his 5 children whom they raised predominantly in MN and WI and finally TX.

As a lifelong commercial carpenter, Jim remained in the 70’s boom town of Houston and ultimately met and married the true love of his life, Mary Brenner, in 1977. They were married for 35 wonderful happy years and were enjoying their retirement in Ville Platte, LA before Mary’s untimely passing from cancer in 2012. Jim was a Christian his entire life and was an avid gardener, but mostly he enjoyed a cup of coffee on his porch and sharing that time with his family, friends and pets.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, wife and sisters Faye Johnson (Slidell), Yvonne Ortego (Lone Pine), and Opal Hodge (Winnsboro).

Jim is survived by his sister Edwina Jameson and husband Roy of Pineville, LA, and brother Ray Carson and wife Belca of Ville Platte, LA; his 5 children: James Carson II and wife Patrice of Moapa Valley, NV, Lisa Carson-Matvay and husband Joe of Las Vegas, NV, Clifford Carson and wife Cris of Houston, TX, Mark Carson of Henderson, NV, and Jodi Hurtado and husband Ron of Turkey Creek, LA; and his 10 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and innumerable extended family and friends.

Jim was our patriarch. He was dearly loved, and will be fiercely missed.

Viewing and funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, 709 W. Main Street, Ville Platte, LA 70586. A private family viewing begins at 10am with public viewing beginning at 11am. The Christian funeral services will begin at 2pm officiated by Pastor Kevin West.

Family and friends may send condolences to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin's Funeral Home in Mamou is in charge of arrangements.