Jim Carlin Obituary

Jim Carlin was born in Newman, Ca., on January 11, 1944. During World War II his family lived in Hilmar before moving to Ceres. In his youth Jim fell in love with the outdoors and loved to spend time fishing. As a teenager he attended Ceres High School where he became first chair clarinet. It was there where he first me his future wife, Susan Waterbury. While in high school, he worked for his father's company, Carlin's Plumbing.

Jim Carlin entered Modesto Junior College, but after a year he joined the Army Reserves where he served in the infantry as a machine gunner and a teaching sergeant. While serving, he continued his college education. As an early student at CSU Stanislaus, he attended classes at the Turlock Fairgrounds, also known as "Turkey Tech." He received his B.A. in Social Science and later returned to receive his Master's in History.

He began his teaching career at Modesto High School where he also served as the Student Body Director. In 1973, he moved to Beyer High School where he remained until his retirement in 2005. Jim was known for riding his bike to work and for jogging every day after school with Mr. Chan and Mr. Crumpley. Jim had a significant impact on the lives of his fellow teachers and many students over the years. He was a master story-teller who believed in the idea that history is a story well told.

In 1972 & 1974, Jim and Susan welcomed Jonathan and Niles into the world. Eventually, these sons would follow their parents into education. As a family, many summers were spent traveling across the country visiting national parks, historic sites and presidential homes. These trips generated countless pictures that were shown to all of his classes over the years.

Since the 1960s, Jim was active in the ministries at his church. He faithfully served as head usher, member of the board and Sunday school teacher at North Modesto Church of God. Jim was very generous with his time and talents, often helping the church and community members with plumbing or other household issues. Jim continued in the M2 Prison ministry, maintaining the close relationship with Craig Farrell that had been started by Mel Waterbury. Craig was an outstanding minister behind bars who was finally pardoned.

Jim Carlin loved his family, his church, historical books, the San Francisco Giants and old western movies. Jim Carlin hated pickles, mayonnaise, and the vast majority of vegetables.

After living with Parkinson's for around 10 years, Jim Carlin peacefully passed away on January 20, 2026. He is survived by his brother Brian Carlin, wife, Susan Carlin, his son, Jonathan Carlin, his son and daughter-in-law Niles & Amy Carlin, grandchildren, Rylie & Alex Carlin, as well as nephews Mark Carlin, Christopher Hunt & Patrick Hunt.

There will be a viewing at Salas Brothers on Thursday, January 29 from 5-7 p.m.

There will be a memorial service for Jim Carlin on Saturday, January 31 at 11 a.m. The service will be held at North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave. A reception will follow in the church social hall.