US National Guard veteran
MELROSE — James R. Carr, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home on Friday, July 19 at age 84.
Jim was born in Boston on December 6, 1939, one of nine children of the late Harry and Alberta (Harris) Carr. He was raised in Malden, graduated from Malden High School and was married to his beloved wife Janice L. Madden at Incarnation Church on September 3, 1962. Jim and Janice settled in Melrose to raise a family of four children. Jim was a humble, hard working man who served in the National Guard before his work as Plant Foreman at Borden’s Ice Cream in Woburn. Jim went on to work in the trucking industry for many more years.
When not working, Jim thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He was easy going, always reliable and offered his skilled hands to help anyone in need. A jack of all trades, Jim could and did fix just about anything around the house. He also found joy working in his vegetable garden, growing the biggest green beans, tomatoes and zucchini for Janice. A real sun worshipper, Jim loved sitting on the deck with the sun warming his skin whether at home on Summer St. in Melrose or admiring the lake in NH.
During the summer months, Jim and his family greatly enjoyed time away on Sunset Lake in Hampstead, NH for boating, waterskiing, campfires and rowing competitions. A seafood lover, Jim always looked forward to the fun of annual clam bakes with the family. He also found joy in organizing everyone for family fishing excursions off of Plum Island. A family man, Jim enjoyed watching and hearing of his grandchildren’s successes and remained especially proud of his three grandsons serving in the military as well as other military family members.
Jim was always the same humble and selfless man who was happy to help and provided quiet strength for all. He will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for his dedication to Janice, his support for his children and pride in his grandchildren. May he rest in peace.
Jim was the beloved husband Janice L. (Madden) Carr with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Devoted father of Kathleen Muzarol and her husband William of Melrose; James R. Carr, Jr. and his wife Susan of Orlando, FL; Carolyn Barry and her husband Mark of Melrose; and Cynthia Casey and her husband Michael of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Jessica, Samantha, William, Brandon, Jillian, Caroline, Victoria, Daniel, Patrick, Collin and Courtney; and great grandfather of Eleanor. Dear brother of the late Harry, Earl, Elmer, Charles, Lesley, Hilda, Chester and Roy. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to gather in honor of Jim’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, July 25 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by his funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose on Thursday at 11 a.m. Gifts in Jim’s memory can be made to Tufts Hospice Care at Home, 360 Merrimack St., Suite 425, Lawrence, MA 01843. For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
