James "Jimmy" Lee Carlson

James “Jimmy” Lee Carlson, 57, passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack at home in Armington, Montana on April 9, 2023.

James was born to Patricia and Gary Carlson on October 17, 1965, in Fort Benton, Montana. He attended Charles Russell High school in Great Falls, Montana. Shortly after high school he moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he married Eva Lozano on March 3, 1990, during their marriage they had two beautiful children, a son, John David Carlson and a daughter, Anamaria Carlson, both of Round Rock, Texas.

He followed his dream of becoming a chef, he wanted to take after his favorite celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. James loved preparing Mexican cuisine the most, he loved his spicey food. James had a major talent for cooking, he could make the best meals out of the littlest of ingredients in the cupboard, and it was always tasty, everyone enjoyed it. He would find the best recipes and then put his own twist on it. He was always coming up with new food to try.

James spent his free time watching comedy movies, documentaries, and listening to music. He loved the 80s Rock bands, Scorpions, Rush, Van Halen, and Pink Floyd. He was always playing air guitar or singing with a hairbrush to all his favorite songs. He also enjoyed watching golf, although he was not an avid golfer he would play from time to time.

He always looked forward to family BBQs, this gave him the role of being in charge of the grill. He would visit with everyone and enjoy having a beer on a hot summer day. James loved his children, always telling everyone how proud he was of them and would look forward to their visits whether he would travel to Texas, or the kids would come to Montana.

James is survived by his mother, Patricia Gabriel of Armington; younger brother, Lennart J. Carlson of Great Falls; two sisters, Tammy (Steve) Meredith Parenteau and Stephenie Meredith both of Great Falls; aunt, Jonelle Austin of Great Falls; six nephews; three nieces; four great-nephews; and a granddaughter of Lakewood, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lennart Gary Carlson of Great Falls; uncle, John David Austin of Sun Prairie; grandparents, John and Irene Austin of Armington; and son, Jesse Council of Lakewood, Washington.

To all his friends, “We find peace in knowing that he touched your life, and that you also touched his heart at some point in his life. We find happiness in knowing that he will live on in all our memories. A life that we will forever cherish, and we will continue to remember.” James will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.