Dr. James N. Carlin

James N. Carlin, Ph.D., 82, of Daytona Beach, FL, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Orlando Regional Medical Center, following a valiant battle against melanoma. Jim, or Doc, as he was affectionately known by students and staff alike at Mainland and Seabreeze High Schools, was born in Kissimmee in 1931. His family moved to Daytona Beach when he was a young child. In 1944, the Carlin family moved into the house on Ocean Dunes Terrace that has remained in the family since. Jim still resided there at the time of his death. After graduating Seabreeze High School, he attended Tulane and Stetson Universities, playing basketball at both. He was the student body president at Stetson, graduating with a bachelor of arts, majoring in religion and philosophy. He then went to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he earned a Ph.D. in theology. He then completed post-doctoral studies in philosophy and religion at Union Theological Seminary in Riverside, N.Y. He taught at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. for three years before moving to Wingate University in North Carolina to become chairman of the Religion Department. He returned home to Florida in the 1970s to care for his mother. He began his high school teaching career at Seabreeze High School before moving over to become English Department Chair at Mainland High School. With his trademark booming voice and laugh he was a loud and fervent supporter at all school functions. He was honored throughout his career, many times being named as local and state Teacher of the Year. Among his other honors was being recognized as the foremost AP English instructor in the state. He was an avid traveler, visiting countries throughout Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. Over the last several years, he and his wife Pat enjoyed cruising across the world and visiting family in Ireland. Jim’s love of college football and basketball knew no limits, especially the Florida Gators’ football team and the Duke basketball team. He was an avid fisherman, often going with his brothers and nephews on deep-sea fishing trips. His many other interests included collecting antique clocks, the Arts, staying active with trips to the beach and bicycling around Volusia County, and much to his family’s chagrin, amassing a large Avon figurine collection. His stubbornness and passion were legendary, whether it was being a vocal opponent of inequalities he saw in the world around him or holding local elected officials’ accountable. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edith, his two brothers, Bill and Charlie, and his wives Mary and Betsy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat (Lorentzson) Carlin, daughters Carol (Jeff), Caty, and son James (Jackie); three step-daughters Ann-Marie (Billy), Annette (Lee) and Annika (Matt); 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Orange Avenue in Daytona Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the cancer charity of your choice.

Dr. James N. Carlin

October 16, 1931 - September 17, 2014