James Carol

June 23rd, 1946 - September 18th, 2008

James's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of James here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Uncle Jim,
I just can't believe you're gone too. This is such a hard week for all of us, and I wish I could have had the chance to say goodbye. You've always been there for me over the years, and I don't think any of our family get-togethers will ever be the same without you and Aunt Suzie... I'm glad you are together again wherever you are, although we wish you were still here as well. I will never forget all the time I spent trying to explain to you who John Mayer is (ha ha)... I love you and will miss you always!

Love,
Sophie

Sophie Boudreau

My dearst Btother Jim. I have always loved you so very much and cannot believe you are now gone. You and Suzie had so much to live for with beautiful daughters, Bridget & Colleen and the sweetest little grandson Liam James. It's not fair that you will never be able to see him grow-up and enjoy those days days with him. I know you are with you true soul mate Suzie and I will miss you both terribly. Julie & I will be left with a huge hole in our hearts for you.
I am so proud to have you as a borther Jim, and pray I can join you, mom & day soon.
All the love I have,
your baby sister,
Janet XOXOXO

Janet (Carol) Raffee

Bridget & Colleen,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We always remember the joy and care your parents displayed. Your mom showed interest in everyone around her and their families. You just knew she cared. What a great lady. And your dad - Wow. As a coach, I always appreciated his support and wisdom. He also epitomized sportsmanship. We will always remember the great time we had on our trip to Europe in the summer of 1991 with Jim.

South Haven has lost two great people, but their affect will be felt for a long time. And they did raise two wonderful daughters is was a pleasure to serve as a teacher and coach.

Dene & Linda Hadden

Dene & Linda Hadden

Bridget and Colleen this is your second cousin Lori.
Not sure if you would even remember me but I remember your mom and dad and always thought they were such a beautiful couple (as a very young girl I always thought they looked like they could be from the Lawrence Welk show as the best looking couple eveyone envied... and even as a grown women I still saw them in that light. You could just see the love and respect they had for each other, true soul mates for sure!), they always had smiles on their face and a great sense of humor to boot.
My prayers are with you both and may God's love and comfort be upon each of you during this difficult time.

Lori Larson

We are so sorry for your loss. Bard went to school with your dad at Sacred Heart-Flint. We knew your grandparents(Carol's) and visited them often in Flint and at the cottage. Your mom and dad were good friends of ours when you were very young in Flint, living off of Mt. Eliot. We used to get together with our two boys and have dinner and spend the evenings together. We drifted apart after your parents left the area but we hold fond memories of them. May God hold you all in the palm of his hands and give you comfort. Our deepest sympathies. Bard and Bobbie

Bard and Bobbie McClanahan

To Jim and Suzie’s Girls,
You don’t know me, but I worked with your Mom, so I know you – at least a bit. I do know, without any doubt, how very, very much you were loved by both your parents. I know that Suzie and Jim had this incredible pride and total devotion to their children. I know this because this is something we had in common, so I understood, and we talked about it often over the years. I know this is not news to you, since you lived this, but if you ever need a little validation from outside yourselves, here it is, and I would be glad to tell you this again, any time. As I thought about what I could say to you I always came back to this – their intense feelings for you. Of course, Suzie and I both usually tempered our feelings with humor – we laughed a lot about all our children, probably so we wouldn’t make each other sick with those deep feelings that were just beneath the surface. You’re going through an unbelievable loss right now, and the mother in me wants to give you both a hug, which I can’t do since I live far away. Consider this note a hug from me and by extension, from your dear parents. Fondly, Bev Stiles

Beverly Stiles

Dear cousins, our thoughts are with you during this tragic and heart-wrenching experience. I can’t believe they both are gone. Know that they were loved and will be missed. They were good folk. They both were so proud of you girls. Know that you gave and received love and that’s really all that life is about.

Some of my fondest memories are about Jim and Suzy at the cottage or at Christmas time. We had some great family get-togethers. We always had lots of great discussions about life, politics and whatever else we were passionate about. Too many memories. We will miss them always. Stay strong.
Love,
Brian, Janet and Brenna Jeffs.

Brian Jeffs Family

Bridget, Colleen and your families,

Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for you and your families.My Husband Bryan had the priviledge of working with your father at the VBCSD
and truly respected him and enjoyed their talks both on a professional and personal level. Bryan and I were also invited to your fathers retirement party at Clementines. Your parents were just beaming ear to ear looking forward to their time together even though your mom was having her ups and downs. I am very saddened for you and your sister but have peace in knowing your Mom and Dad are together. May God bless you.
Love,
Diana and Bryan Stump

Bryan/Diana Stump

We were so surprised and sorry to read / learn about Jim and Suzie. Though we don't recall meeting Suzie, we remember Jim from Sacred Heart.
Marian remembers that Tom and Jim were classmates for many years. She recalls talking with Jim's Mom, as parents do, sharing and learning from each other. It's no easy task to be a parent.
Tom is currently recuperating but asked to have his condolences included. He was also part of Sacred Heart's Class of '64 and remembers Jim well. It was a shock to see it in the paper.
I remember one time Jim gave me pointers on playing the organ at Sacred Heart when I was in about 8th grade. He would've been 11th grade. Just the one time. Funny how you remember things so much later. I really appreciated his kindness and help.
Our hearts and prayers go with Colleen, Bridget, and all the family. Though heaven is a happier place, we pray for courage and strength for you as you deal with this incredible loss.
The Echlins

Marian Echlin, Tom Echlin, Mary Carol Murphy

Collie&Brige - I cry each time I think of what you to are going through. I was so blessed to see your mom out on memorial day AM. I had a nice talk with her and of course it was "how are your kids etc.". What a wonderful friend and mom she was! Your dad was nothing but the best guy anyone has known. When I think of him, I remember the him lying under a table at a volleball tournament trying to pump up Collie when she was down on herself. I'll remember them as Marcy put it "My second mom & dad". They were wonderful to my kids and all who came in contact with them. As I have learned to do in the last few years - LEAN HARD ON OUR GOD - He will help you through this time! Your parents are with the Lord at this time and the Lord is with you. Love you two, Mike Appleyard

Mike Appleyard

Dear Uncle Jim and Aunt Suzie,

You are in my prayers. May you find eternal rest and peace. Your love is an inspiration to us all. You will be truly missed by my father, brother, and my entire family.

I will never forget that memorable moment at my high school graduation open house in May 1978. You, my dad, my brother, and some of my friends all grabbed and throw me fully clothed into the swimming pool. I vividly remember you laughing and saying "Here is your baptism to the rest of your life kid!". How prophetic those words seemed then and now.

I am glad that you and my dad were able to get close again after all these years. It was clear it meant a lot to all three of you. I was glad that Colleen and I got to witness those moments. It is something she and I will treasure for the rest of our lives.

Sincerely,

Dennis Carol

With love and support from:
John A. Carol Jr (Father)
John P. Carol (Brother)
Nancy Coultas-Carol (Wife)
Jacob Coultas (Son)

Dennis Carol

What a painstaking time for you both, and words cannot express the loss. I knew your father more in his capacity of Law Enforcement and served on athe County Corrections Board with him. We used to dive to Paw Paw about the same time, sometimes he followed me (unless I went too slow) and sometimes I would follow him. One time he brought me home in a horrible snowstorm and he was annoyed that so many drivers were out on the roads during the time the roads were closed and what idiots they all were. I turned to him and said - aren't we idiots too. And he said no - we are educated ones. I saw him recently and just squeezed his hand and I knew the paid he was going through with Suzy. My thoughts are with you both as you struggled through all these emotions.