James Carney

Venice, FL – James Thomas “Jim” Carney, 83, passed away on December 11, 2024, with his wife and son by his side.

Jim was born on December 8, 1941, in New London, CT, to Florence C. and Roderick J. Carney. Joining the Army at 16, he served over 10 years honorably working in Radio Cryptography. 

In his second career, he owned and operated retail businesses in the Rhode Island Mall, Swiss Colony and Safari House and in the Swansea Mall, Rungs. He began his third career as an electrician with Texas Instruments in 1982, retiring after 21 years in 2003.

Jim was a passionate artist and entrepreneur, with hobbies that included building models, repairing wristwatches, and creating beautiful works of art on gourds. An avid coin collector, Jim’s love of history extended into his retirement, where he enjoyed sharing stories and meeting visitors at Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA. His favorite activities were spending winters in Venice, Florida, and regaling his family with his famous sense of humor and stories.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joanne (McDonald); his children, Janet Sherman and her husband Mark of Dighton, Diane Crenshaw and her husband Dave of Weddington, NC, and Kevin Carney and his wife Teresa Rushing of Arlington, TX; and his 6 grandchildren – Peter James Baute and his wife Sara, of Scarborough, ME, Matthew Baute and his partner Luisa of Orlando, FL, Christian Crenshaw of Charlotte, NC, Mackenzie Crenshaw of Greenville, SC, Nathan Crenshaw of Weddington, NC and Kathryn Rushing of Arlington, TX. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his former spouse, Erna Leahy; and his 4 brothers – Leon, Roderick, Norman, and Allan.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St. Fall River.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Auclair Funeral Home in Fall River. The family will greet guests starting at 9:30 AM.

Jim was known as someone with a warm engaging personality who found great joy in meeting new friends and helping many along the way. He could always bring a smile to someone’s face and genuinely just loved meeting people. His personality made him hard to forget even after one encounter. In lieu of sending flowers, we ask that you carry on his tradition and take the time to bring a smile to someone new or help someone in need.

Memorial contributions may be made to Battleship Cove. You may mail a check to: Battleship Cove, 5 Water St, Fall River, MA 02721 . Please make checks out to USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc. https://www.battleshipcove.org/donate