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James Carr Obituary
James G. Carr, 74, of Sun Lakes, AZ, died in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 28, 2011 after his battle with cancer was over. Jim was born December 8, 1936 in Whiting, IN, the son of Edwin D. and Sue Carr. He was a resident of Gary and Valparaiso until 2000. He retired to Arizona but remained a Hoosier forever. He returned every year for the Indianapolis 500 race which he first attended in 1951. Jim attended Calumet High School and IUN. He served in the United States Navy from 1954- 1957. He married Marlene Stillabower on September 6, 1957 and they enjoyed many years of traveling and camping with family and friends. He will be remembered by his sons as a very engaged and loving father throughout his entire life. He was their Little League baseball coach, "Biddy" basketball coach, and Boy Scout troop leader. He inspired all of his sons to have a curiosity of the world they live in, to have an appreciation of travel and experiencing other cultures by taking his entire family on numerous camping trips across the United States and Canada. When he undertook building the family's home in Valparaiso in 1972, he passed on to his sons the lifetime gift of numerous building trades skills and the lesson that anything can be achieved in life should they apply the effort required. He will be forever in their hearts their best friend. He was an employee of NIPSCO from 1962-1995. Jim enjoyed being a very active union member with USW Local 127775. He continued working for the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor for two years after his retirement from NIPSCO. Jim was a family man and dearly loved his extended family of sisters and brothers-in-law. His many nieces and nephews brought such joy to his life. On May 14 of this year, he had what he referred to as his "living wake" with many relatives and friends in Merrillville, IN. His days of retirement were spent golfing, reading his newspapers, doing crossword puzzles, doting attention to his beloved dog, "Brickie" and watching MSNBC. Politics and unions were his favorite topics of conversation. He was an avid cell phone user and talked to friends in Indiana on a daily basis. Jim is survived by his wife, Marlene of Sun Lakes, AZ; sons: James Michael of Montauban France and Christopher D. of Sun Lakes, AZ; and brother, Dale Lee "Bud" Carr of Longmont, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edwin "Eddie" Charles Carr; and son, Daniel K. Carr. Cremation took place at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Christopher Reeve Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Carr
Wedding Day 9-6-57
Chris Carr
July 27, 2011
Jane (Gresham) & Bill Asa
July 13, 2011
Marlene - Jim was bigger than life itself. He did it his way with humor and with great love for his family and friends. May all the wonderful memories of Jim support and sustain you and your sons throughout all your days. God bless....
Ron Stillabower
July 13, 2011
Jim introduced me to jazz when I was only about eleven years old.
To this day whenever I hear jazz and especially Dave Brubeck, I think of Jim.
Thank you Jim!
sami allen
July 12, 2011
what a legacy he passed on. god bless his family.
June 13, 2011
Dearest Marlene,James,Chris and all Family and friends of Jim Carr, I feel such a loss for words to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. J.C. and I go back to Calumet Jr. High and went to each others weddings in the late 50s. We had so many good times together and we both loved Jazz and the Blues music and shared same over the years. Every time I listen to my Jazz collection I will think of Him. Marlene you were strong when he needed you and vice versa making a wonderful team over the years. I loved the idea of haveing a "living wake" seeing J.C. alive for the last time. I will steal his idea for my future. Your friend, Doug Loomis, Oscoda, Michigan.
June 13, 2011
June 13, 2011
Marlene, James, Chris,
It's hard to believe but I loved Brother Jim even after leaving Indiana all those years ago. We raised our families the best we could from our respective locations and I think we did a darn good job. The differences in our age impacted our early years but he was always willing to drag me along to a dance or two. He also shared a few of his girl friends for a dance, thanks. There are others stories I would like to share with anyone who wants to call, email or write.
From all the Colorado/Arkansas Carr's, Rest In Peace, Brother Bud
JC and Chris, Indy 500 some years back
James Carr
June 11, 2011
Dave and Pat Roberts
June 9, 2011
Marlene, it has been such a sad time. We have kept you in our prayers and want you to know that you are with us at this time. We wish that we were closer to where you and the family are but we are with you in your heart. Jim was a great person and one that you felt he was a part of you and being a close feeling together. Dave and Pat Roberts
Guillaume Frayssinet
June 7, 2011
A toute la famille, je voudrais dire que mes pensées vous accompagne en ces moments difficiles. Je ne garde que de bon souvenirs des si rares moments passés avec Jim.
Marlene, Chris, même si un océan nous sépare physiquement aujourd'hui, une partie de mon coeur restera toujours à vos cotés, et une nouvelle étoile brille dans mon ciel français.
I would like the entire family to know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I cherish the memories, if only a few, spent with Jim.
Marlene and Chris: Even though an ocean separates us, a part of my heart is always with you, and a new star is shining in the heavens above France.
Don Lehmann
June 7, 2011
Marlene,
Jim & I went skinny dipping one night
in the Ross gravel pit. The mosquitoes
about carried us away, but we had fun.
A lasting memory for me. Jim was a good guy. May he rest in peace.
Don Lehmann in Fla
Joe Carlin
June 7, 2011
Marlene, Jimmy and Chris.
Your move to Arizna gave us the oppertunity for our friendship to grow beyond our high school days. I grew to love Jim and enjoyed being with him. We had time to make many short trips to California, Show Low, and the White Mountains. It's amazing that spending that much in a car or R V that we would run out of things to talk about. NO WAY!!! Jim was well read and knew so many people so that there were few lulls.I never tired of Jims' stories about NIPSC, Calumet High School, friends, golf, auto racing, new cars, politics, and some times a little smut. The one and only time that I had to say something was the time we drove to California in the big Blue Bird. He had just installed a new C D payer that would hold many cd's. Being agreat jazz buff he loaded it up with every c d he had on board. He turned it on full blast and down the road we roared.He would listen to the first minute and then switch to another, and then another and then another. Not being a jazz fan I told him to drop me off as I was getting cramps in my ear drums. He knew I liked country western and the res of the trip was c&w. He never complained. When I needed help with a room addition for my little place in the mountains, Jim jumped at the chance to help. I knew nothing about carpentry. (sorry Mr Shenovich ) He taught me so much about building, using a drop saw,and cutting sheets of paneling. I will miss the good times and will think of Jim often. I feel my life is better because I had a chance to know both Jim and Marlene. Sincerely Joe Carlin
Dick Tumpes
June 6, 2011
Dear Mar & family:
So very sorry for your loss.
"A living wake?" Gotta love the inspiration, the loyalty to friends & the man, who to me was what coolness was at Calumet.
Dee Schomaker
June 6, 2011
Marlene, so sorry to hear of Jim's recent passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeff Mayer
June 6, 2011
Marlene, James, & Christopher,
I worked with Jim for many years at Nipsco. If I had to describe Jim in a few words it would be "Jim is good people". Not only was he a friend at work but Jim was a friend outside of work. Jim got me started riding motorcycles...I bought that old Honda 350 from him in January of 1980. Jim will be missed by everyone that knew him. I'm sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jen Mason
June 6, 2011
Mrs. C and family:
May you find both peace and strength during this time. My condolances for your loss.
Bert Hudson
June 6, 2011
Jim was a great ftiend and will be missed, spent many years with him at NIPSCO. Sorry for your lost
June 6, 2011
To Our Dear friend Marlene, and Chris and James, We are so sorry for your loss.... Jim was a joy to know, and lots of fun at all times. He was very easy to talk to, and always had a lot of interesting things to say, I think he knew just about everyone in the Calumet Region... We will miss him greatly... love and prayers, Pat Carlin
June 6, 2011
To the Carr Family;
I grew up on Rhode Island Street, a few homes down from where you all had lived. I recall the numerous backyard basketball games I played with Mr. Carr, Danny and Jimmy. He was always around to take a few "shots".
I am sorry for your loss.
Joseph Grem (Grembowicz) Formerly of 4014 Rhode Island Street, Gary IN.
Michelle Vuko
June 6, 2011
Mrs. Carr,
Yours was a once in a lifetime love & marriage. I am sorry for your loss. My family's thoughts are with you.
GENE LETO
June 5, 2011
MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO JIM'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Betty and Bob Bloom
June 5, 2011
You are in our thoughts as you go through this trying time.
Jimmy while serving in the U.S. Navy
Janet & Vaughn Froman
June 5, 2011
No words can describe the loss we all feel. He was a "brother" who was always there to share our happiest and saddest moments. Thank heavens we had him among us, especially when we needed a good story or laugh. The many, many wonderful memories he gave us will be forever cherished. Blessings most of all to Marlene, Chris and James.
Mary Ann Madajewski
June 5, 2011
Marlene and family, my deep regrets to you all. I did not know Jim but he had to be a wonderful man married to a beautiful kind woman that you are.
June 5, 2011
Jim was one of the most positive people I've ever known. He truly loved life and his family and friends. Hopefully we can learn from his example. I will miss him terribly. My deepest love to you, James and Chris. Connie Roberts, Henderson Nevada
Harry & Eve Weitze
June 5, 2011
Rest In Peace Dear Friend. It's been a long and quality ride and we will cherish the memories. See you at the races!
Joy Kasprzak
June 5, 2011
I will always remember Jim's welcoming smile and willness to help anyone that was in need. His loss to friends and family can't be put into words.
Cherish his many happy memories. I will always think of him during 500 time.
The Glovers
June 5, 2011
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. I feel Jim smiling at all who know and love him. Our love and grace to you Marlene, Chris and Jimmy.
Amy Pollaro
June 5, 2011
Aunt Marlene, I am truly sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband. Hold close all the great memories held in your heart-you get to keep them forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Amy
June 5, 2011
Those whom you love live in our hearts forever. Jim will be sorely missed. Sister, Jane
Glen Kirk
June 5, 2011
Dear Marlene,
I'm so sorry to hear that Jim is gone. Love of God be with you and your family.
Peace be with you
Glen Kirk
Ron Stillabower
June 5, 2011
Thank you marlene for bringing JC into our lives.
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