James R. Carroll's Obituary
James Richard Carroll, 87, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on Monday, August 1st, 2022. "Jim" or "Rich", as he was known to family and friends, was born in Athens, Alabama, in 1935 to Ernest and Gladys Carroll. The family moved to St. Petersburg when Jim was in his early teens where he attended Lealman Junior High and St. Petersburg High School. It was during his junior high years when he met the
love of his life, Ruth Ann Watson.
Jim and Ruthie eloped at the age of 17 and began their new life together by moving to Dayton, Ohio, to be near Ruthie's family. He began his working career by learning the sheet metal and construction trade. He also began to realize his dream of becoming an entrepreneur by starting his first business, Carroll’s Roof Cleaning. Several years later in 1965, he purchased 5 acres of land off of 49th Street and 126th Avenue in Pinellas Park industrial area. He began his new business, Carroll's Roofing and Tile, which over the
years became a family run business. The business grew, expanded, and eventually moved to the location on 13th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, where it is known today as Carroll's Building Materials.
Jim was a self-made man who enjoyed the risk and challenge of creating and sustaining a successful business. Throughout his life he believed in hard work, a strong work ethic and "that can do attitude" that helped him overcome many obstacles in life. He had a love of adventure which he instilled in all of his children. He was an avid boater, scuba diver and pilot and enjoyed many trips with family and friends. In his retirement years, he and Ruthie enjoyed many adventures as they traveled the USA in their RV. They celebrated their 69th year of marriage together on March 14th, 2021, just months before Ruthie went home to be with the Lord.
He is survived by his four children: daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Craig Olson, son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Dawna Carroll, son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Tammy Carroll, son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Rhonda Carroll, ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Jim will be deeply missed and will forever be in our hearts.
A graveside service will be held at 9AM on Thursday morning, August 18th, 2022, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida. The service will be officiated by Pastor Art Dykstra from Feather Sound Church.
In lieu of flowers, if you’d prefer, the family requests donations in honor of James be sent to the Gideons International at www.gideons.org.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
