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James Carr Obituary
James Emmett Carr, Sr., age 58, 2527 Reed St., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at UPMC-Hamot. He was born in Erie on January 28, 1955, son of Rev. Fletcher Carr, Sr. and Luella Rose Carr of Erie.
He was a lifelong resident of Erie. He attended East High School, and graduated in 1974 from Wofford High School (Ky.), where he moved to train with the U. S. Olympic wrestling team, and participate in the 1972 Olympics. He became the youngest member ever to earn a spot on an Olympic wrestling team, and still holds that distinction. He then attended the University of Kentucky, the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and received a certificate in electronic technology from ITT Tech.
He was employed as an electronic technician at Bush Industries until he was disabled and had previously been employed at Elgin Electronics.
James loved wrestling and coached many teams in Erie - Team Erie at Cathedral Prep, St. Luke, the Harbor Creek Little Huskies, JFK Center and the Harbor Creek Rebels. He also coached teams in the Bay City Football League.
James was a member of Mt. Zion Apostolic Faith Church of God, where he sang in the choir. He was an avid Steelers fan and also enjoyed fishing, carpentry (he was a "jack of all trades" and could fix anything), and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Peggie Ann Carr Young; his grandparents, Oscar and Lena Carr and Willie and Betty Rose; two grandchildren, Oujileak Polk and Mark McLaurin, Jr.; and a niece, Victoria Diane Young.
In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory his children, James Emmett Carr, Jr. (Maria Rivera), Michael James Carr, Danielle Denise Carr, Stephanie Ann Carr McLaurin, all of Erie; his long-time companion and dearest friend, Janet LaRiccia of Erie; 14 brothers and sisters, Bishop Willie Carr (Verdia) of Erie, Fletcher Carr, Jr. (Cynthia) of Phoenix, Ariz., Ozella Smith of Erie, Norma Payton (Roosevelt) of College Park, Ga., Joseph Carr (Hilda) of Lexington, Ky., Polly Jones (Tim) of Cleveland, Ohio, Marie Roberts (Michael) of Brandon, Fla., Jerry Carr (Valerie) of Erie, Nathaniel Carr (Linda) of Centerville, Ohio, Dorcas Carr of Erie, Lena Franklin of Tampa, Fla., Solomon Carr (Sue) of Owings Mills, Md., Michael Carr (Elizabeth) of Phoenix, Ariz. and Mark Carr of Erie; a brother-in-law, Pastor William Young; five stepchildren; 19 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; several aunts and uncles; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., at First Born Apostolic Faith Church of God, 1221 E. 19th St., and may attend a homegoing service at the church on Thursday, 11 a.m., with Pastor John Thomas of Mt. Zion Apostolic Faith Church of God officiating and Pastor Nathaniel Carr (his brother) eulogizing. Interment in Erie Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by House of Law, 2926 Pine Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Erie Boys and Girls Club Wrestling Program, 1515 E. Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16511 (814-459-1977)
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for James Carr
Barbara McGuigan
August 14, 2025
Lovely person who gave so much to others.
Barbara
carr
September 6, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charlayne Chandler
October 16, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Elijah Whitten
January 15, 2014
Thy will be done.....Lord bless and keep the Family of "Jimmy" Carr. I will always remember his smile; his courage; and his dedication to his Family. May his Soul Rest In Peace.
January 13, 2014
I was Jimmy's teammate at the University of Alabama where he did win an SEC Championship. I knew his wife a kids that he would bring into the weight room at times to babysit and work out simultaneously! I learned more just wrestling and loosing takedowns to Jimmy over & over again than all i had learned in High school when I was State Champ at Butler High for Coach Glenn Stowe. Jimmy was an idol of my High School teammate Byron McGlathery whom brought every article he could find on Jimmy to practice because he made the Olympic team so young. Byron wrestling for UT-Chatt eventually beat his idol Jimmy 4-2 at Alabama in a dual meet on Christmas eve 1978! They were both married and Byron had 2 kids while Jimmy had 3. RIP proud teammate i'll never forget you sir! John "JC" Cashin
Amelia Alacce-Petre
October 27, 2013
My deepest condolenses to the Carr family. I am a neighbor of yours from Second Street.
You all were great neighbors and I am so sorry for your loss.
Amelia Alacce-Petre(formerly of Erie, PA)
Richard Fisher
October 26, 2013
With love to the whole family.
Terry Family
September 14, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers going out to the entire Carr family in your loss.
Andy Cates
August 26, 2013
My sympathy for your loss. I met Jimmy back in 1975 or 76 at the National wrestling camp. I only met him that one summer when he taught me about a higher level of competition than I had known before. He went out of his way to help me and he made a big impression on me. Jimmy was a tough wrestler and was a great example of what was possible if you had the desire. I wish I would have known him better but for the short period I did know him he made an impression and made me a better person.
Josiah Henson
August 25, 2013
I met Jimmy in Munich in 1972 and have frequently used him as an example to insire young wrestlers that I have coached, particulary to convince them that anything can be done with determiniona...like mkaing the Olympic team at age 17 or perfecting specacular throws, as he did. His memory will continue as long as I coach and tell his story. I hope his family can take some consolation in the fact taht he was widely respected and find peace in the certain knowledge that that he rests eternally in the heart of God almightly.
CAROLYN JENKINS KANE
August 24, 2013
to the carr family thinking of you with heart felt sympathy
David Brown
August 24, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the entire Carr family. As a former SV wrestler I envied Jimmy's brilliant and historic career. I had one opportunity to meet him in about 1973 when I picked him up at the bus station in my taxicab. I recognized him immediately and though we did not talk much he impressed me as he carried his well deserved celebrity status with quiet dignity.
Denise Horton
August 22, 2013
To the extended Carr Family, Please know that our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you as you go through this difficult period of bereavement.
"Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning".
In Sympathy,
Denise Horton & Family
Eddie,Katie & Melissa Bell
August 22, 2013
Bishop Carr, and the entire Carr Family
May the Lord guide you through your sorrow
And may your faith in Him give you strength for the days ahead
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Your loved one will forever live in your heart
Remember the memories!
Tom Lane
August 22, 2013
To the Carr Family,
My sympathy for the loss of Jimmy. He was a tough competitor and I will always remember his times on the mat.
Jo Anna Pasky
August 22, 2013
Aunt Janet I am so sorry to hear of your loss that came to early, may the love of family and friends help you through this time of sorrow. May God keeps his arms around you and comfort you at this time.
All my love to you and Kevin
Carla Kinter
August 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family and and Miss Jan I am sorry for your loss Jimmy was a very good man
Renae Hicks
August 22, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
August 21, 2013
To the Carr Family,
May the Lord comfort your hearts through the loss of your loved one...Jacqueline Ratcliff Brown
The Merritt family
August 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss, we lift up prayers for you all. Thank you for sharing James with all of us. James molded many great men. The lessons learned extend far beyond the wrestling mat.
Renee Sayles Emanuel
August 21, 2013
To The Carr Family, My Thoughts and Prayers are with all of You. Growing up with James was such a memory. such a Wonderful person Raised By a Mother and Father that served God In Everyway...May God Bless You All and May He give You Comfort in This time of Your Grief...I Love You All...
Rick Chadwick
August 21, 2013
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Carr family. James and I were class and teammates at East. Man, what a talent he was. Have many great memories from them years. Thanks for the ride James. Rest In Peace my friend...
John Beers
August 21, 2013
May God hold and keep all of the Carr family as they travel this path. My brothers and I wrestled with the Carr's in high school and Jimmy worked with me for a short time in the 80's. Blessings on you all.
August 21, 2013
I am deeply saddened and shocked at Jimmy Carr's untimely death. I know him at East High School as a soft-spoken, kind and gentle "man-child" who did his talking on the wrestling mat. I had the pleasure of associating with him (and his brother Joe) as an athlete, as a student and as a role model to us all. The world has lost a good man, and it is hard to fathom how he can be replaced.
Jeffrey J. Del Fuoco, Esquire
Jimi Szczesny
August 21, 2013
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all the family! R.I.P. my old classmate.
SHARON HENDERSON
August 21, 2013
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS TO THE CARR FAMILIES...PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS...PSALMS 116:5
sharon smith
August 21, 2013
to the carr family:god is n control at all times.know that he will continue to bless and heal. love the smith family
Steve Rupp & Family
August 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Carr family. Jimmy was a coach of mine at St. Lukes and i wrestled with Sole, MIke and Mark at Tech having enjoyed many good times with each. Remember,the Lord is in your corner at a time such as this, and so am I.
Dennis Henderson Sr
August 21, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Carr family and May the God Lord keep you
Georgianna Carr London
August 20, 2013
Praying prayers for God's comfort to surround the family of cousin Jimmy. Can't really find words to express the feeling of loss, but I will hold to the good memories of Jimmy and the legacy of his accomplishments in the wrestling field. God Bless you all!
Larry atkins
August 20, 2013
To the carr I am so sorry for your loss As you know James and I were friends for many years James will be greatly missed
Sandy Hirsch
August 20, 2013
I am sending sympathy and love. I knew Jim in high school and feel very sad about his passing.
Charles & Twila Johnson
August 20, 2013
To The Carr Family:
James will be sadly missed, but he is in a better place. My prayers are with the All The Family at this time, God Bless and keep you.
Barb McGuigan
August 20, 2013
Jan may you remember all the happiness and love you shared and he will wait for you to come home
Lori Biletnikoff
August 20, 2013
Blessings of light & peace to your family..
Victoria Gavin-Higgins
August 20, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
August 20, 2013
Lena,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. I often think about the good times we had in high school. God Bless you and your family.
Renee' Vargo
Ann Weber- Durlin
August 20, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Wanita
August 20, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of jimmy, I went to school with him at East high. He was a wonderful person, and a great soul. May God bless you and give you peace at this time.
Amelia Alacce-Petre
August 20, 2013
I am John Alacce's sister Amelia. Yes your family were wonderful neighbors to us. We lived on Second Street. Peace be with the Carr family and please accept my deepest Sympathy for the lost of James!
Cliff Cahill
August 20, 2013
Jimmy Carr left many seeds of life that will generate even more seeds of his spirit. Did not know Jimmy but through Nate and Linda who had him on their top of their core of seeds and through Bob Dieli who loves the Carr wrestling family I know Jimmy will live on forever. Very sorry Nate for you and your family for such a tragic early loss. Cliff Cahill
JOHN ALACCE
August 20, 2013
Family my deepest sympathy on your loss. I knew your family well, I played ball with oscar at EAST went to JONES school with WILLIE I LIVED on second street around the corner. may JIMMY rest in peace. John ALACCE
Vicky Wittuck
August 20, 2013
Dear Jan, Elder and Mrs. Carr and all of the Carr Family,
The staff and residents of Brevillier Village have all of you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless Jimmy's soul.
Anita Meredith-Ford
August 20, 2013
You know that you all are very special and loved by me. I will keep you all in prayer!
Brenda Johnson
August 20, 2013
To the Carr Family: Sorry for you loss; may God give you peace, strength and comfort in your time of sorrow
Bill Young
August 20, 2013
Our condolences to the Carr family. may the Holy Spirit comfort your hearts as only He can. We will miss James but will never forget him.
The MGCC Church Family
Jeff Satyshur
August 20, 2013
Jimmy we sure will miss you. you were a great guy and an outstanding wrestler. may God bless you.
Meredith Family
August 20, 2013
Elder & Sis. Carr & Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Roger and Kris (Lombardo) Copeland
August 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathies.
August 20, 2013
Jimmy, R.I.P. Tony Logue
Ezelle McCallum
August 20, 2013
May the Lord watch over the Carr family and give you peace in the middle of the storm.
Garrett Headley
August 20, 2013
Dear Carr family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I will always remember Jimmy as a firece competitior. He was one of a kind. I marveled at what he could do on the mat. It was an honor and a prevelige to be his teammate and someone I could call a friend. I have to believe he is in a better place giving wrestling instructions.
With deepest sympathy,
Bob Dixon
August 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy to entire Carr family on the loss of James. I owe my wrestling career to him for encouraging me to join the team. 19th street forever
Jerry Nowakowski
August 20, 2013
Very sorry, God bless your family.
Tricia Lindsey
August 20, 2013
So sorry to hear about Uncle Jjames but family he do not have to suffer anymore. I love you all and stay strong!
Tricia Morgan Lindsey
James Caldwell
August 20, 2013
My condolances to the Carr family, Jimmy was a teammate at East along with Joe and Fletcher. Jimmy made history in Erie and I am proud to experience some of it as a teammate.
[email protected]
Sabrina Mitchell-Santiago
August 20, 2013
Night, Maria, Boo, Steph & family,
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you each in this time of loss. May you find comfort in your faith and each other. May he forever rest in peace. God Bless
Al, Lisa, Nico Lombardo
August 20, 2013
Entire Carr Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with all of you.
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