In Memoriam

The Teamsters are mourning the passing of Jim Carson, President of Local 340 in South Portland, Maine. Carson passed away unexpectedly on December 8, while traveling for union business in Rhode Island. He was 59. The cause of death was an apparent heart attack.

Carson’s local said he was dedicated to improving and protecting the rights of Maine workers.

“Jim Carson leaves a lasting legacy at his local, and with the Teamsters union,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “He will be remembered for always standing up for his members and doing what was right by them.”

“Jim has done so much for his local and for his members,” said Ken Hall, International Vice President and Package Division Director. “His expertise in negotiations was well known and his members have benefited from it.”

Carson began his career sorting packages for UPS in 1973. He went on to driving a package car and serving as a shop steward. In 1983, Carson left UPS and became a business agent for Local 340. He served as Trustee, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and became President in 2001. He is a former President of Joint Council 10.

Carson is credited for expanding the local to a record 4,300 members. Business agent Alan Churchill told the Portland Press-Herald that Carson made the local one of the most successful in Maine.

Carson and his wife of 40 years, Carolyn, had planned to renew their wedding vows the day after he died. Beside his wife, Carson is survived by two sons, Eric and Michael, one daughter, Angelique, two grandchildren and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Holy Cross Parish School, 436 Broadway, South Portland, Maine, 04106, and/or the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route, Suite M, Scarborough, Maine  04074.