John Carstens, Jr.

John Carstens Jr., 61, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC. 

Born in Fort Lauderdale in 1963 to John Carstens Sr. and Barbara Carstens, John was raised in Plantation, Florida, alongside his older sisters, Karen and Carol, and younger brother Scott. 

From an early age, John developed a passion for music and travel, nurtured by annual summer camping trips across the continent in the family's Apache popup camper. These adventures included his aunt Norma Cosby and grandmother Gladys, creating lasting memories. The close-knit extended family in Plantation, including John Sr.'s brother, Edgar and his wife Elaine, along with their children Edgar Jr., Caroline, Paul, and Linda, were constant companions throughout John's youth and high school years at Plantation High. After graduation, John's career at American Express led him to Greensboro, NC, where he met Kathy Collins, a nursing student who would become the love of his life. They married in the summer of 1989 and had two sons, Dan and Mitch. 

John continued the family tradition of camping, upgrading to a motorhome and introducing his boys to many of the same national parks he had visited in his youth, while also indulging their shared passion for baseball. They spent many summer days enjoying time on the water and their nights filled with games and laughter on the porch at their home at Badin Lake. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, John pursued an MBA from High Point University. This academic achievement marked a turning point in his career, as he transitioned from American Express to entrepreneurship, starting an awards business. However, John found his true calling in education. He began teaching and eventually returned to academia, pursuing a doctorate at North Carolina State University. John's dedication to education led him to teach full-time, first at Forsyth Tech and most recently at Guilford Technical Community College, instructing business students. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; sons, Dan and Mitch (Ashley); three grandchildren, Emmalyn, Micah, and Gryffin; as well as his sister-in-law, Anne Collins. His passion for learning, love of family, and zest for adventure will be remembered by all who knew him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, to honor John’s love of animals, please donate to your local animal shelter.