James Alexander Carroll

JAMES ALEXANDER CARROLL, the son of the late James Garfield and Maggie Selena Jones Carroll of Watha, N.C., born August 30, 1915, was called to eternal rest on February 23, 2006 after a lengthy illness. He died peacefully at the home of his granddaughter and her husband Melissa and Chris Thompson of High Point, N.C. and their two children Donna and Christen and his daughter Gloria. He was also preceded in death by sisters Doris Vivian Carroll, Esta Carroll and Rosa J. Carroll Newkirk, and brothers Theodore Carroll, Thomas Carroll, Raymond Carroll and Isaiah Carroll. James joined Watha Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful worker. He left home in his mid-teens and explored different areas of the east coast. In July 1942, he was wed to Beatrice Sutton (formerly of Wilson, N.C.); Bea Bea preceded him in death May 14, 1999. At the time they had been married 56 years. One daughter was born from than union, Gloria Jean Carroll. Jim and Bea were both members of Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church. Affectionately known as "Jimmy Carroll" (or "Jim Carroll" on self introduction), he served faithfully in the United States Army during World War II. He received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, an Asiatic Pacific Theater and World War II Victory Ribbon. After returning from the war, Jim went to work for Olin Chemical Company. He retired from Olin with more than thirty-eight years of service. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and served as his local union treasurer; and he worked with National President John L. Lewis from time to time. Not being an idle man, Jim kept himself busy pursuing other ventures including a night club partnership in the North End Lounge, Gay St. for a few years. This was documented in the Black American Series, African American Entertainment in Baltimore, written by Rosa Pryor Taliferro. Then he studied, was licensed and worked for numerous years installing/repairing home heating and plumbing systems. He was active in his community working with the Calloway-Garrison Neighborhood Association. "Daddy Jim" leaves to mourn: daughter, Gloria Carroll Wells of High Point, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Gem Sutton Curry and stepson, Irvin M. Sutton (Marilyn) of Baltimore; granddaughters, Melissa Wells Thompson (Chris) of High Point, N.C. and Deborah Sutton of Baltimore; grandsons, Irvin M. Sutton, Jr. (Barbara) and Roland D. Curry Jr. (Julia) both of Baltimore and Sgt. Kenneth Lee Sutton of Baltimore (currently serving in Iraq); one sister, Colleen Carroll (Watha, N.C.) and one brother, Robert E. Carroll (Olivia) of Baltimore; sisters-in-law, Lula B. Sutton Hayes of Virginia Beach and Mable Sutton Williams (Thomas) of Rocky Mount, N.C.; one brother-in-law, Bruce Sutton of Baltimore; seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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James Alexander Carroll

August 30, 1915 - February 23, 2006