Mr. James Anthony Carlen III
Remember

Mr. James Anthony Carlen III

  • July 11, 1933 - July 22, 2012
  • Columbia, South Carolina
Pause Timeless by Bruce H. Zimmerman (ASCAP)
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Memories & Candles

“We just found out that Jim passed away. We are so sorry for your loss and hate that we didn't know sooner. Jim was an awesome man of God and we loved...Read More » ”
1 of 53 | Posted by: Craig & Cheryl Rymal - SC

“I read with great sorrow to learn of the passing of Coach Carlen. I remember him so vividly as a valuable member of the 1952 Georgia Tech National...Read More » ”
2 of 53 | Posted by: J. Ronald Burson - Carrollton, GA

“Meredith, I was sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I hope that the great memories of Jim will comfort you and your family at this time. Chuck Statler ”
3 of 53 | Posted by: Chuck Statler - Columbia, SC

“God bless you for being a friend and team mate! Say Hi to Marshal Taylor for us. We will always remember you! ”
4 of 53 | Posted by: Don & Mar Ann Copeland - Maumee, OH

“Meredith, so sorry to hear about Coach. I will truly miss him coming in the office and telling "Gamecock Stories"! Please accept my sincere...Read More » ”
5 of 53 | Posted by: Brian C. Pitts, Esq. - SC

“Meredith, we are terribly sorry for your loss. Coach was one of the best who cannot be replaced. I'm sure he already has a team in training in...Read More » ”
6 of 53 | Posted by: William M. Smoot, Esq. - SC

“Meredith, we were so very sorry to read of Jim's death this week on the front page of the Lubbock paper. He was such a wonderful person and such a...Read More » ”
7 of 53 | Posted by: Ken & Renee Abraham - Lubbock, TX

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you the family during this difficult time. What a blessing to know that we will see him again in heaven. Thanks...Read More » ”
8 of 53 | Posted by: Dr. and Mrs. Joe S. Campbell - GA

“We have been honored to have known and be friends of Coach Carlen. He was a Great Coach and an even better person. We will miss him dearly. ”
9 of 53 | Posted by: Marion& Patsy Corley - Lexington, SC

“Meredith and the Carlen clan, we're going to miss this "one of a kind" friend. Never a stranger did he meet and he seemed to know everyone. We...Read More » ”
10 of 53 | Posted by: Marty and Jacki Pauls - SC

“As a teacher at Spring Valley High School, I was always thankful to Mr. & Mrs. Carlen for sending me Mollianne. In 30 years in the classroom it is...Read More » ”
11 of 53 | Posted by: JON STAFFORD

“I'm sending my deepest sympathies to you all in the Carlen clan. I have so many memories of Coach swirling in my mind right now its almost...Read More » ”
12 of 53 | Posted by: Steve Gettel - Parker, CO

“Meredith, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please feel all of our loving arms around you as you assimilate this loss. ”
13 of 53 | Posted by: Sylvia Gillotte - Sarasota, FL

“Meredith, and family. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all this week. You nor Jim ever knew what your Love, Friendship, and constant...Read More » ”
14 of 53 | Posted by: Tom Durston & Family - SC

“Meredith, Holt and family, Our most sincere love, thoughts and prayers on your loss. Knowing Jim changed our lives; whether it was during the...Read More » ”
15 of 53 | Posted by: Sterling and Judy Hight - SC

“Meredith, so terribly sorry to hear about Coach. He was a great man and I will miss him dearly. My prayers are with you and the entire Carlen...Read More » ”
16 of 53 | Posted by: Joanne Petro - Hilton Head Island, SC

“SunShine you are Home ”
17 of 53 | Posted by: Bear Woolf - Sandestin, FL

“Dear Meredith and Family, My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow in losing this special person in your life. May God grant you the peace...Read More » ”
18 of 53 | Posted by: Nancy Browner Wilkes - Winnsboro, SC

“We will miss a tremendous person! May God help you Mereith, and the rest of your family. Come visit St Andrew Kay and Marv Summers ”
19 of 53 | Posted by: Kay and Marv Summers

“To Meredith and family, you have my deepest sympathy. I first met Coach back in 1978 in Columbia at USC and later ran into him often on Hilton Head.I...Read More » ”
20 of 53 | Posted by: Mitch Hedrick - SC - friend

“Dear Meredith and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.You will be in my prayers and I want you to know I am thinking about you and your loved ones...Read More » ”
21 of 53 | Posted by: Carolyn Taylor Koerner - FL

“My sincerest condolences to Meredith, the children, and the entire family. May the Lord walk with you, bless, and keep you. ”
22 of 53 | Posted by: David A. Warren - Columbia, SC

“Thank you for being one of the Gamecocks best coaches!! I have watched them for a long time and you were tops!!! ”
23 of 53 | Posted by: BILLIE H THOMAS - columbia, SC

“I know mere words may offer but little comfort at this time, but know that my deepest feelings lie with you. My mom and dad asked me to include their...Read More » ”
24 of 53 | Posted by: Sherry Ligon - Cookeville, TN

“Our prayers are with the entire Carlen family. ”
25 of 53 | Posted by: Bobby Lawson - Lake Mary, FL

“Sincere sympathy in your having to be separated for a time from Mr. Carlen. I grew up in Cookeville First Methodist and have always appreciated the...Read More » ”
26 of 53 | Posted by: Corrynne (Smith) Clements & Ray Clements - TN

“Thanks to you and "Carlen's darling's" for the wonderful football seasons all those years ago. God bless your family. ”
27 of 53 | Posted by: kathryn hinnant - florence,, SC

“Melanie, My thoughts and prayers are with you, your sister and families. Your father accomplished many things in his lifetime. Be comforted in...Read More » ”
28 of 53 | Posted by: Tad Abrams - Columbia, SC

“Meredith, It has been a while. So saddened to learn of Coach Jim's passing. I will always remember his kind words and will miss running into...Read More » ”
29 of 53 | Posted by: Dini Page - Hilton Head Island, SC

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Carlen and send my deepest condolences to the entire Carlen family at this difficult time. My thoughts...Read More » ”
30 of 53 | Posted by: Betsy Dunbar Sawyer - Columbia, SC

“Have a lot of memories of when we went to school together 1948-1951. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace "Lard" ”
31 of 53 | Posted by: Carles Morgan - Cookeville, TN

“Peace be with the Carlen family and God bless. ”
32 of 53 | Posted by: Philip Edward Hall - Cookeville, TN

“We are very sadden for your loss. He had a great influence on many lives during his coaching career. Gilbert Jackson ”
33 of 53 | Posted by: Gilbert R Jackson - Chattanooga, TN

“RIP,brought excitement to USC Football,great picture of danny Ford shaking the hand after 13-9 win,stood up to Holderman,complex personality,sad day...Read More » ”
34 of 53 | Posted by: john wasson - seabrook island, SC

“Dear Meredith, Please know you are all in my heart, prayers & thoughts. Hugs & Smiles, Mackey Tarrant ”
35 of 53 | Posted by: Mackey Tarrant - Columbia, SC

“Jim was a dear, true and loyal friend to my late husband, Jimmy Roof. Our entire family was impacted by our friendship with Jim and Meridith. Jim...Read More » ”
36 of 53 | Posted by: LaVonne Roof - West Columbia, SC

“Rest Well-My Friend! ”
37 of 53 | Posted by: Bruce R Volk - Columbia, SC

“For all of Jimmy's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings and peace to you during this difficult time. Emily Alexander Rummel ”
38 of 53 | Posted by: Emily Rummel - Cookeville, TN

“Dear Meredith, I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of you and your family so fondly over all of these years everytime I pass by your old...Read More » ”
39 of 53 | Posted by: Lenni Thompson McCauley - SC

“Only new him for a little while but very friendly and understanding and treid to help everybody. Very sorry for the loss and our thoughts and prayers...Read More » ”
40 of 53 | Posted by: Mr.& Mrs Chris Durrette - pelion, SC

“Jim was one of USC's most successful coaches and gained the university national recognition with a Heisman Trophy winner in George Rogers. I...Read More » ”
41 of 53 | Posted by: Toby Jenkins - Gilbert, SC

“Dear Mrs. Carlen and family, I first met Coach Carlen on the practice field in Morgantown shortly after I was hired as assistant sports...Read More » ”
42 of 53 | Posted by: Henk La Brie - Kennebunkport, ME

“Meredith, So sorry for your loss. Treasure the memories. ”
43 of 53 | Posted by: Mrs. Sonny DuBose (Shelvia) - SC

“To the Carlen family: Jim was my true friend. I could always count on him and he will be truly missed. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Weldon...Read More » ”
44 of 53 | Posted by: Weldon Waites - Columbia, SC

“Meredith and family, my sincere condolences on your loss. I worked for Coach at USC for his entire tenure, and he was one of the best AD's I ever...Read More » ”
45 of 53 | Posted by: Ron Smarr - Pamplico, SC

“Hill, to you and your family, my prayers and thoughts go out to you....so sorry for your loss. Annette Duncan ”
46 of 53 | Posted by: Annette Duncan - carthage, MS

“Thank you, Coach Carlen. You put Carolina on the road to where it is today. Your work will not be forgotten. ”
47 of 53 | Posted by: Rev. Ralph T. Bowling, III - SC

“Meredith: We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. God has taken him to Heaven to spend eternity with Him. Jim was a very special person and...Read More » ”
48 of 53 | Posted by: Joanne Rimmel - Hilton Head, SC

“Meredith, I was so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ”
49 of 53 | Posted by: Irene Berry Scarboroough - SC

“Thanks, Coach. Your name will live on in South Carolina football history. Rest in peace. ”
50 of 53 | Posted by: Carolina Alum '79 - VA

“Meredith - Jody & I were so sorry to hear of Jim's death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. He was such a big part of St.Andrew By the...Read More » ”
51 of 53 | Posted by: Jody & Regina young - Lexington, SC

“Meredith: I was so saddened to learn of Jim's death. Please know that you, Holt, and your entire family are in my prayers. I will be out of town on...Read More » ”
52 of 53 | Posted by: Sallie Hook Boggs - Columbia, SC

“I am sure Billy and Jimmy are having a gay ole time in heaven right now!j ”
53 of 53 | Posted by: Mardee Carlen - Miramar Beach, FL


COLUMBIA - Memorial service for James Anthony Carlen III, 79, will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, with visitation immediately following in the church gymnasium. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Coach Carlen died Sunday, July 22, 2012. Born July 11, 1933 in Cookeville, Tenn., he was a son of the late James A. and Roberta Hill Carlen and a proud Eagle Scout. He graduated from Georgia Tech where he was a linebacker and punter on two national championship teams under Coach Dodd. After graduating from Georgia Tech and serving one season as an assistant coach at Cookeville Central High, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He then began his college football coaching career at Georgia Tech as assistant to Coach Bobby Dodd, defensive coordinator and later as college athletics director. His coaching stints included Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Texas Tech and South Carolina. At these three universities, Carlen attained a 107-69-6 record. Carlen guided the Mountaineers from 1966-69 to a 25-13-3 record. In 1969, after leading the Mountaineers to a 10-1 record, which included a 14-3 victory over South Carolina in the Peach Bowl, he then went to Texas Tech from 1970-74. The Red Raiders were 37-20-2 under Carlen's reign. In 1973, he guided the Red Raiders to one of their most successful seasons ever with an 11-1 campaign. He was selected Southwest Conference Coach of the Year for the second time, NCAA District Seven Coach of the Year and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Year.
From 1975-1981, Carlen led the University of South Carolina to a 46-36-1 record, which included two eight-win seasons and three bowl trips. The 45 victories are the third most in South Carolina football history by a head coach. Carlen also coached the school's only Heisman Trophy winner, George Rogers. In addition to being the school's football head coach, he also served as the school's athletics director until 1981.
To add to Carlen's long list of awards, former South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards presented Carlen with the Order of the Palmetto, one of the highest awards that can be given to a resident of the state of South Carolina. In 2006, he was inducted into the S.C. Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Cookeville High School Hall of Fame in 2007 and the National Football Foundation and College of Fame in 2008. Also in 2008, Carlen was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Honor. He was recognized by the West Virginia University Fellowship of Christian Athletes for his numerous contributions and also received the Honorary West Virginian Award in 2009.
Coach Carlen touched many lives, including his countless players, staff and friends as he continued to provide love, support and guidance throughout their lives. His commitment and dedication was evident after their playing careers as he continued to serve as a mentor and a coach for life.
Surviving are his wife, Meredith Taylor Carlen; sons, James Anthony Carlen IV (Kim) of Columbia, William Holt Carlen of Columbia; daughters, Mollianne Elliott (Joe) of Roswell, Ga., Melanie Caswell of Columbia; brother, Walter Hill Carlen of Cookeville, Tenn.; twelve grandchildren, Jimmy, Maggie and Knox Carlen; Carlen Arnold; Harrison, Hill and Evans Elliott; Garner Leigh, Davis Brooke, Jamie Keith, Abbey Hill and Claxton Grace Caswell.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Tidewater Hospice, especially Cindy, Joanie, Ivey and Meva, for their compassion and excellent care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 8701 Leeds Road, Kansas City, MO 64129 (www.fca.org) or Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204.