James E. "Goose" Carroll

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved James Everette "Goose" Carroll, who
peacefully departed to his eternal resting place with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, while surrounded
by his family at home on December 22, 2024.
Born on August 9, 1935, in Summit, Mississippi, Goose lived a life that exemplified unwavering faith,
love, and dedication to others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and
friend, whose kind spirit and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Goose graduated from Summit High School and made Louisiana his home after marrying the love of his
life, Christine Carroll, in 1958. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy before
dedicating his life to service in his community and beyond.
Goose was a lifelong member and deacon of First Baptist Church Baker, where he led the "Sunshine"
assistance program, offering help and hope to many. He was a proud 50-year member of the Baker
Masonic Lodge and served as both president and coach of the Baker Little League, mentoring young
athletes with integrity and kindness. His professional life was equally distinguished. After serving as a firefighter with the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Goose transitioned to the Louisiana State University Fireman Training Program in 1969. There, he excelled as an instructor, training supervisor, and ultimately associate director, dedicating 29 years to improving fire safety and education across the state. In 1973, he was named Chief of the Baker Volunteer Fire Department and became the first president of the East Baton Rouge Parish Fire Chief's Association.
Goose's dedication to public service extended into local government, where he served as the Baker City
Administrator from 2005 to 2009 and as a board administrator for Lane Regional Medical Center from
2003 to 2011.
Goose is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Christine Carroll; his children, Greg Carroll and Christy
Solar; his son-in-law, Mike Solar; his grandchildren, Bailey Carroll Shovan (Zach Shovan), Claire Solar,
James Michael Wade Solar, and Chloe Solar; and his great-grandson, Corbin Shovan. He is also survived
by his sister Frances Carlisle and brother Eddie Joe Carroll.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Henry and Ruby Carroll; four sisters, Kathleen Reeves,
Nell Mooney, Faye Wallace, and Betty Roberts; and six brothers, Mike, Jeff, Robert, Sammy, Jimmy, and
Tommy Carroll.
The Pallbearers will be Bubba Champagne, Bill Ory, Alvin Bauer, John Adams, Randall Forbes, Huey
Cash, Jody Crosby, Keith Pease, Tony Smith, Wes Ory, Blaine Moak, and Howard Bonaventure.
Honorary Pallbearers include Jackie Mullins, Baker Boyd, Henry Green, Scott Dieterich, Chris Thomas,
Ty Thomas, Jay Thomas, Jim Hill, Steve Zachary, James Michael Wade Solar, and Zach Shovan.
"His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: You were faithful over a few things, I
will make thee ruler over many things: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." – Matthew 25:21
Goose's legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.