Rev. Dr. Jimmy Lee Carr

1944 - 2017

Rev. Dr. Jimmy Lee Carr

Brandon, MS

Jimmy was a faithful servant of God who loved with his whole heart. Ordained to Word, Service, and Compassion, as a Deacon in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church, he epitomized the role of a Deacon, acting as a bridge from the church to the world. He lived his life as that bridge connecting and loving so many.

He was born in Newton, Mississippi and raised in Smith and Scott Counties. He studied at East Central Junior College, University of Southern Mississippi, and Scarritt College in Nashville, Tennessee where he received BA and MA degrees. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He married the love of his life, Joy Taylor Carr in 1966 and they began their beautiful partnership in ministry. He served throughout the United Methodist Church in amazing ways; beginning in Mississippi through his service at First UMC in Pascagoula, Central in Meridian, and Galloway Memorial in Jackson.

Jimmy began his time in ministry as a Certified Christian Educator and was then consecrated as a Diaconal Lay Minister. After thirteen years at Galloway, wearing many different hats, he began his work as Associate General Secretary at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time at the Board, he was instrumental in the creation of the Order of Deacon, and was Ordained as a Deacon in Full Connection with the Mississippi Conference in 1994.

His life's work led him to Lake Junaluska Assembly, North Carolina in 2000, where he served as the Executive Director of The Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church and the Assembly for ten years. During this time he and Joy built their dream home back in Brandon. Jimmy officially retired in 2010, but anyone who knew him knew he never stopped working. From serving in the MS Conference as the Director of Ministerial Services to leading the way as the Director of the Legacy Fund at Galloway, to his travels with Educational Opportunities around the world, he continued to serve the church with love, grace, and compassion.

Jimmy's legacy is abundant and accomplishments and honors are many. He was appointed as Interim Supervisor in Rankin County, MS, served on Boards of Trustees for Africa University, Rust College, Emory University and Scarritt College and additionally served on boards and agencies throughout the United Methodist Church and around the world.

But no matter how busy he got, he always made time for what mattered most to him - his faith, his family, and his friends. That, keeping his yard manicured and always having a project at his beloved family farm on which to work kept his life full and content.

Jimmy L. Carr was a true gift from God to this world and everyone who met him and felt his love knew that to be true. He will be missed greatly, but the memories of this wonderful husband, son, brother, father, uncle and grandfather will stay with his loved ones forever.

He was survived by his wife, Joy Taylor Carr; three children, David Carr, Todd Carr (Susannah) and Allison Dickerson (Matt); two brothers, Tommy Carr (Pam) and Hugh Carr (Medero); four grandchildren, Noah Carr, Taylor Dickerson, Caleb Carr, Katherine Dickerson and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, H.D. and Mable Carr and a brother, Charles Carr.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Tues. March 21, 2017 at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackson, MS. Visitation will begin at 9am on Tues. March 21, 2017 at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church. Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS handled the arrangements.

Memorials may be sent through Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 1092, Jackson, MS 39215 designated for one of the following: Galloway's Legacy Fund, Rust College, Africa University, or Lake Junaluska Assembly