James J. Carroll

James J. Carroll, 75 years, of Hanover entered into eternal life on Saturday, December 24th. 

Jim was the loving husband of “the bride” Jean. They met at age 15 and after a long courtship, married, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October. He sadly leaves behind his daughters Denise Catherine Meurch and her husband Ted, of Kingston and Lisa Jean Mazrimas and her husband Michael, of Hanover. Jim’s pride and joy was his grandchildren, Ryan Meurch, and Leah and Andrew Mazrimas. 

Jim served in the United States Army 1097 Division. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1968-69. He was a member of the Mobile Riverine Force stationed in the Mekong Delta. They were known as The River Rats. He was the past commander of the Avon VFW Post and was a member of the American Legion Post in Hanover. Upon discharge from the Army, Jim worked for the USPS as a letter carrier and retired as a Postal Superintendent. 

Among his many pleasures was cruising around town in his 1968 Cadillac Sedan Deville. He enjoyed playing the lottery using the family numbers. He was a great handyman and could fix anything.

Jim had 3 great loves in his life. First, his Savior Jesus Christ. He prayed to God to bring him home from Vietnam, he prayed for his family and for his health so he could take care of his family. He always said he was a blessed man. He was a communicant at Holy Family Church in Rockland.

His second love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He taught his children to be strong, independent, loving and humble. He always had candy and ice cream for his grandchildren. They loved to visit Papa and play in his bunker/men zone. He wrote poems and letters to his wife Jean to express how much he loved her.

The third love in his life was his country.  He was proud of his service to his country.  He raised his flag every morning, ending with a salute.  He participated in many veteran activities and helped his fellow veterans cope with war related issues.  He stood proudly for the National Anthem, and never forgot those who never came home.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and clerical staff at the Brockton VA campus. Their dedication, care, concern and attention to Jim for many years was outstanding. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit Friday, December 30th, from 4-7 PM at the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main St. South Weymouth. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9 AM on Saturday, December 31st at Holy Family Church, in Rockland. Burial to follow at the Hanover Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation made be made to The Red Sox Foundation, ATTN: Run to Home Base, P.O. Box 411217, Boston, MA 02241.