Mr. James R. “Jim” Carlson, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 12:42 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 29, 1938, in Galesburg, to Raymond Glenn and Juanita Blessing (Sweborg) Carlson. He married Judith Ann Douglas on November 25, 1960. She preceded him in death on May 3, 1981. He later married Diane (Beeson) Cyganek in 1985, in Knoxville. She preceded him in death on August 25, 2017.
Surviving is a son, Douglas and his wife, Dr. Shirley Carlson of Aurora, Illinois; a daughter, Sandra and her husband, David Smith of Woodstock, Georgia; a stepson, James and his wife, Aunyarat Kongson Cyganek of Las Vegas, Nevada; a stepdaughter, Cindy Pietschman of Waukegan, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Megan Taylor, Melissa Lawrence, Alexander Carlson, Justyna Carlson, Ella Carlson, Amber Pietschman, and Tyler Pietschman; and five great grandchildren; Emery Taylor, Anna Taylor, Lily Taylor, Evan Lawrence, and Brayden Pietschman. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Carlson.
Jim graduated from Knoxville High School in 1956. He continued his education at Western Illinois University, graduating in 1960. Jim dedicated his career to education as a teacher and coach, serving in Pittsfield, Lockport, Wheaton, and Monmouth High School. He coached both basketball and baseball and taught Industrial Arts, History, and Physical Education. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1994.
Jim was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, woodworking, and most of all, spending time with friends and family.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the chapel, with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery in Monmouth, Illinois. A celebration of life will follow the burial from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the National PKU Alliance. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
