James D. Carr was born on February 1, 1926, in W. Halifax, VT the son of Donald and Lu (Brown) Carr. He attended schools in W. Halifax and Putney. At age 14, he dropped out of school and went to work on a farm in Putney for room and board for 50 cents a week. He moved to Bellows Falls with his family at age 15 and worked at Hubbard, Parker, and Small, grading eggs. At age 17, he began working as a truck driver for St. Johnsbury Trucking and worked there until he was drafted into the Army at age 18.

He proudly served in direct combat in Germany and France during World War II from 1944 to 1946, including fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He recounted that when he returned home in 1946, he received $20/week from the state of Vermont for one year.

He married Gloria (Tolaro) Carr on October 14, 1950, in North Walpole, NH. They lived their entire married lives in Bellows Falls and celebrated their 75th anniversary in October 2025.

Jim was employed as a dispatcher for Gay’s Express, St. Johnsbury Trucking, and Quinn Freight Lines. His last 21 years of employment were spent as a maintenance engineer for Rockingham Memorial Hospital.

In 1970, he earned his GED, celebrating the achievement with his daughter who graduated from high school that year. He was a member of the Bellows Falls Fire Department for 38 years, retiring in 1988 at the rank of Deputy Chief.

Jim was a 7th generation Vermonter with a wry sense of humor and wit and a strong work ethic. He was well known for his handyman, woodworking, and chair caning skills and his chairs are owned by many people throughout Vermont. He could fix anything and was a tremendous help to his daughter over the years in the renovation and upkeep of her old house in Huntington.

One of the ultimate highlights of his later years was traveling to the World War II Memorial alongside his loving son. This unforgettable trip honored his legacy of sacrifice and created an enduring bond of gratitude that will never be forgotten.

He was a loving and devoted father to his son, Jim, and daughter, Jeanine, and grandfather to his granddaughter, Emilie. He was predeceased by his father, mother, and brothers, Rupert and Loren. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, daughter, Jeanine, son, James (Alice), granddaughter, Emilie (Seth), great-grandchildren, Teddy, Audrey, and Beckam, and nieces and nephews. We will miss him more than words can express but are eternally grateful that he was part of our lives. The family thanks the Veterans Administration and many wonderful caregivers,who provided tender, loving care to him so that he could spend his final days at home.

Donations in his memory to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 107, Brattleboro, VT 05301 will be appreciated.

A Graveside service will take place on July 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls, VT.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.