James Matthew Jim Carson passed away on September 18, 2008 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. after a brave battle with cancer. He is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim was born on April 14, 1945 to Robert Fay and Ethel Carson of Crumpler. He attended Nathans Creek Elementary School and graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1963. Upon graduation, he moved to Charlotte where he met and married his best friend, Rhonda Hicks Carson, in 1967. He served honorably in the U.S. Army until 1973. From 1968-1969, he served as a U.S. Army Air Cavalry Scout helicopter crewman in Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. In 1975, Jim and Rhonda returned to live in Ashe County and raise their two children Doug and Crystal. Jim worked as a long-distance truck driver for more than 30 years. He retired from Hollar & Greene Produce in May 2000. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Rhonda and spending time with his three grandchildren, Cari and Matthew Carson and Kayla Buchanan. Jim was an active member of Highlands Community Church in West Jefferson and strong supporter of the Celebrate Recovery program. He was known by his friends and family for his servants heart always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Hicks Carson; son, Doug Carson and his wife, Angie of Crumpler; daughter Crystal Carson Spencer and her husband, Greg Spencer of Lansing; and his three grandchildren. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 20 at Boone Family Funeral Home. The service was officiated by Reverend Steve Witherspoon, Reverend Bobby Reed and Dorothy Witherspoon. Numerous friends rose to share their fond memories. Burial followed in the Senter Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites performed by the Lansing VFW Honor Guard and the Ashe County JROTC. Traditional Masonic burial rites were performed by the Piney Creek Masonic Lodge. David Van Hoy played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Memorials can be made to Highlands Community Church, PO Box 1489, Jefferson, NC 28640.