James Edward Carlen, 65, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the HCA Florida – Lake City Hospital from a sudden illness. He was born in Montgomery County, Maryland on January 17, 1960 to the late Howard Eugene Carlen and Jeanne Marie McCarl Carlen. He has made Lake City his home since 2019, moving here from the Jacksonville area. He proudly served his country in the US Navy for many years before retiring. Among his family, he was known as an all around "Handy Man", always searching for something to fix or tinker with. He enjoyed reading, watching movies and fishing in his spare time. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Pollard; his nephew, Curtis Duquette; and his loving wife, Gloria Carlen.

He is survived by his son and his daughter, Jason Carlen of Tennessee and Jessica Pollard (Jim) of Florida; brothers, John Carlen of Florida, Bruce Carlen of Maryland and Timothy Carlen (Pam) of Washington State; sisters, Shurleen Ziegler of Maryland and Cynthia Duquette of Texas. Two grandchildren, Savannah Stubbs of Tennessee and Madison Pollard of Florida along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

A memorial gathering for family and friends of Mr. Carlen will be conducted on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.