James D. Carvell Jr.

James D. Carvell, Jr. died peacefully after a brief illness on August 5, 2025. Jim was born on May 15, 1939, in Little Rock, Arkansas to James D. Carvell, Sr. and Harriet Sue Downie Carvell, and spent his early years in Arkansas, graduating from Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Though Jim was an only child, the numerous cousins in close proximity made him feel like he had many brothers and sisters his entire life.
In 1963, Jim met the love of his life, Nell Boone Rogers of Fort Smith, Arkansas. They were married in 1964, enjoying 61 years of marriage as devoted husband and wife and best friends.
Jim attended Vanderbilt University where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After graduating in 1961 with a degree in Civil Engineering, he served for two years as a commissioned officer in the United States Army before being honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Jim received his Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1966.
Jim was a lifelong Presbyterian. A 57-year member of First Presbyterian Church in Dallas, he was a long-time church-school teacher, church Elder, and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation.
He thoroughly enjoyed the weekly fellowship of the G-5 Men's Bible Study which he co-founded in 1985, as well as his regular lunches with his many friends at the Oasis Café.
Jim began his engineering career with the Arkansas Highway Department, was a consulting engineer for 15 years, and was a transportation research engineer with the Texas Transportation Institute for 25 years. He was a professional engineer licensed to practice in Texas and other states. Jim was active in his profession and served as President of the Texas District of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, where he was named Transportation Engineer of the Year in 2001. He also served on the International Board of Direction of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
Jim loved music and playing guitar and singing for his own enjoyment and the enjoyment of others. In addition to his hundreds of engagements in the children's Sunday School, he was also a founding member of ToneDef, a group of his fellow engineers who picked and sang together for over 20 years.
After retiring in 2006, Jim was a volunteer at Grace Presbyterian Village, Presbyterian Village North, Meals on Wheels, the Bridge, and the University Park Library.
Jim loved his Lord and his church and always held a special devotion for his family. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by two sons, Jay Carvell (and wife Stephanie) and Wade Carvell, all of Dallas, as well as two granddaughters whom he treasured: Emily Carvell and Paige Carvell, both of Dallas. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he deeply loved and was adored by in return.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Library or the SPCA of Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday August 14, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, Texas.