James Carlin

Jim Carlin, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and partner, 79, passed away at UMC Hospital in Lubbock, Texas on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. When Jim left a room, there was never any doubt he had been there. He had a commanding presence, would do anything for those he loved, made uncounted connections over his lifetime, and loved nothing more than having his family together at the table. Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 S, Abilene, Texas.

Jim was born on June 25th, 1942, in Erie, Pennsylvania to James Daniel and Elizabeth Ruth Carlin, where He graduated from Cathedral Prep Catholic School. Jim proudly served in the USAF and was stationed at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas where he met and married his first love, Janice Kay Carlin on July 13, 1963. They resided in Abilene for more than 40 years until they finished their dream home and moved to Lake Leon in Eastland, Texas in 1997. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Janice Kay Carlin on November 2, 2003. It's not often that a person finds that one true love, but Jim was blessed to find his second love, Katy Hilliard, who quickly became an important part of the family.

While living in Abilene, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and many more organizations. He owned and operated, Carlin Insurance, a successful Insurance Agency in Abilene, Texas for more than 30 years. After moving to Lake Leon, Jim was a part of the Leon River Cowboy Church. However, his most treasured roles were Dad, "P.P.", and Friend.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James & Elizabeth Ruth Carlin, brother Bill Carlin and sister, Betsy Irwin, and two granddaughters, Alex and Alysse Carlin. Survivors include Katy Hilliard, sons Butch Carlin and wife Tonya of Lake Leon, Eastland, Texas, Joey Carlin and wife Lara of Abilene, Texas, four beloved grandchildren, Cole Carlin and wife Shayna, Meghan Haan and husband Josiah, Cris Carlin and wife Brittney, Jack Carlin and wife Anastasiia, and a great-granddaughter, Brynn Nicole Carlin, as well as his twin sister Jean McGuinness and husband Jim, and brother Tom Carlin and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leon River Cowboy Church Youth Group, P.O. Box 1411, Eastland, Texas 76448, in the name of this kind and generous man.