James Edward Carlen

James Edward Carlen, 87, of Hudson, NH, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH following a brief illness. He was born on July 21, 1936, in Worcester, MA, the son of the late James E Carlen Sr. and Mildred Carlen.

He was the loving husband of Joan Carlen. They were married on November 9, 1963, in Dayton, OH.

James attended public schools in Dracut, MA, serving in the U.S Air Force from 1954 to 1958. After serving he enjoyed his career as a Senior Proposal Specialist with several defense contractor companies.

James was a member of V.F.W Post 5791 Hudson, NH for many years, as well as Kiwanis Club, Hudson, NH, including President, 1987-1988. In his free time, he enjoyed deep sea fishing, watching the Red Sox and Patriots games at home with his wife, Joan. He also spent many hours at the Hudson Senior Center, playing pickle ball, ping pong, and shooting pool. In his later years, Jim enjoyed writing poetry about his childhood and life experiences. He donated countless hours of labor helping to convert the old Benson’s Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, NH into Benson Park and cherished his time spent with family, especially his nine grandchildren and family dogs.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Sheridan.

James is survived by his wife Joan Carlen, their three children, James Carlen and his wife Jamie of Amherst, NH, Daniel Carlen and his wife Tracy of Hudson, NH, and Annmarie (Carlen) Barnette and her husband Robert of Branford, CT, nine grandchildren Saralyn Carlen, Samantha Carlen, Liam Carlen, Nico Carlen, Erin Carlen, Imari Barnette, Mekhi Barnette, Tahji Barnette and Khari Barnette, as well as sister, Mildred Mulno of Tewskbury, MA, brother John Carlen of Tombstone, AZ and several loving nieces and nephews.

A small private graveside ceremony will be held at the N.H. State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH, with a celebration of life to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution in memory of James Carlen to the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.