James G. Carlson

James “Jim” Gunnard Carlson, 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on September 24, 2024. Jim was born on July 29, 1941 at home near Pierson, Iowa where he attended Grand Meadow High school. He continued his education at South Dakota State University earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Settling in Cincinnati, Ohio Jim had a successful career with the General Electric Company traveling the globe until his retirement in 2001. Jim married his wife, Julija Aina Sauskis in1967, celebrating the birth of his son, Brent in 1970.

Outside of work, Jim enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, traveling with Aina, smoking a good cigar, drinking a beer, sipping Crown Royal, and being with his friends and family. He loved working on wood projects, carving ducks made out of old wooden golf clubs, and several birdhouses he loved to gift, along with working on numerous cars and trucks he purchased.

“Papa” loved his granddaughters and would often travel to his Colorado home where his son and family had settled. He also loved gardening and would often share his precious tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers with his neighbors and friends and family. Jim was very active at St. Clare Church in College Hill and volunteered with St. Vincent De Paul for 20 Years. 

Jim is survived by his beloved granddaughters Kali, Claire and Abigail and their parents Steve and Trish, brother Robert Carlson (Judy) in Iowa, sisters Margie Irwin Remsen, Marleen Walker and Kay Carlson of Iowa as well as many loving nieces and nephews and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Aina (2019), his son Brent (2001), and his sister Mary Ellen.

Funeral services will be held at St. Clare Church 1443 Cedar Ave Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11am. A reception to celebrate Jim’s life will follow in the St Clare undercroft after mass. donations can be made to St. Clare Church, or Cancer Support Community. Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com