James "Jimmy" Franklin Carson
James "Jimmy" Franklin Carson, Sr. of Concord, Virginia
December 13, 1932 - July 3, 2023
James Franklin “Jimmy” Carson, of Concord, Virginia, died Monday, July 3, 2023, peacefully at his residence.
He was born December 13th, 1932, to Charles Raymond Carson and Charlene Light Carson. He grew up during the great depression and WWII which were tough times for any person. After graduating Concord High School, he attended Lynchburg College and went into the US Navy serving on the second Allen M. Sumner class destroyer USS Moale DD693. After the Navy he completed his education at VA Tech, Class of 1960. He was employed at Babcock and Wilcock in the Nuclear Power Division. Later, he became the 2nd generation owner-operator of Carson’s Store in Concord. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 16, Appomattox Moose Lodge 975, USS 693 Moale Association, and the Tin Can Sailor Association.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his four children, Mary Kimball Carson, Susan Ann Carson, James Franklin Carson, Jr., and Carol Gayle Carson Drinkard (Michael Ray Drinkard), his wife, Virginia Rice Carson Cash; and a brother, C Raymond “Ray” Carson, Jr.
He is survived by his grandchildren, David Michael Drinkard (Charity Harold) and Kelly Elizabeth Drinkard (Waller Perrow) and great-granddaughter, Maddison Gayle Drinkard.
After the passing of his daughter, Gayle and son-in-law Mike in 1986, Jimmy and his wife Virginia shared the joys of raising their grandchildren, Kelly and David.
Retiring in 1998 from Carson’s Store, he was “hell on two-wheels”, visiting 49 of the 50 states by motorcycle as well as eight of the nine provinces of Canada. He developed lifetime friendships and traveled many roads with his riding buddies, JR Puckett, John Coleman, Mike Scott, and grandson, David Drinkard. For many years Jimmy could be found amongst the pack of American Legion Riders who attended national conventions and raised money for educational funding for children of the fallen warriors. In addition to his motorcycle travels he also visited five of the seven continents of the world by ship. He was an avid supporter of the Concord Volunteer Fire Department and served as the President for multiple terms.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Concord Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by the American Legion, Post 16.
The family will receive friends from 1 until 4 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the American Legion Post 16, Greenview Drive, Lynchburg.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Legion Riders fund- Post 16, 1301 Greenview Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
