James Donivan Carson passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Naples, Fla.
Born in New Dover, Ohio, on Feb. 3, 1932, to Esther and J.D. (Don) Carson. Graduated High School in Bellefontaine, and The Ohio State University. He was an Eagle Scout and a Shriner. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and while there operated a photography studio. In Air Force ROTC, he attained the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.
On graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and began selling life insurance while awaiting a slot in flight school. There he met his future wife Martha Connor whom he called Marty. Primary flight school was nearly complete when they married, and subsequently completed single engine training fulfilling a childhood dream of flying jets. Thus began a 28-year career in military that took them around the world on assignments in France, Thailand, and Australia. He logged over 6,000 hours flight time in many types of aircraft and was awarded 2 Defense Meritorious Service medals, the Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters and the Order of the White Elephant 4th class from Thailand.
Although Kit served in the Air Force in many interesting capacities, notable was his service in Thailand as Ass’t Air Attache, and a similar assignment in Australia. He also served a tour with the famed Air Commandos beginning in 1962 which involved many combat missions early in the Vietnam War.
Following retirement from the military, one of his more satisfying jobs was with the Virginia Employment Commission where he helped disabled veterans gain employment and later was a tax auditor. Thirty-five years later, he was working with his college minor in accounting again.
His love of flying continued to provide pleasure to hundreds of pilots by towing gliders up and down the mountains of Virginia along the Shenandoah Valley. “Would still be doing it if not for a disagreement with the FAA over a minor heart problem.”
He has been active in various homeowner associations and with the Board of Directors at Arbor Trace Condominium Association, Naples, FL.
Known as “Kit”, he and Marty raised a family of four and last December celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Survivors are Patricia Ethier (husband Donald), Robert Carson, and Don Carson, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his son, Tom, and brother-in-law, John Maier. Also surviving are his sister, Ann Maier of Huntsville, and her children Beth and Jane, and sister-in-law Muriel Connor (Steve)Myers of Bryan, Texas and their children, Stephanie and Philip and many nieces and nephews.
Interment will be at the military cemetery in Sarasota on May 10.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project.