James (Jim) Carney

Jim was born in Tulsa to E.F. “Bud” and Enola Carney and was raised in Oklahoma City. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, before transferring to S.M.U. to graduate.

In Dallas, he was a partner with his family in Carney Sunglass Co., and he traveled to France, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan to import glasses to be sold throughout the U.S. to stores such as Neiman Marcus, Sears, and others. At one time, they were also the distributors of Ray Ban glasses.

As the father of three sons, Scott, John, and Clay, he coached soccer, led scout troops, and took them on fishing and hunting adventures. He attended Philmont Scout Camp, cooked delicious meals on campouts, and encouraged a love of the out of doors.

After retirement, Jim cared for his widowed mother and found a passion for adding joy to those who were homebound. He joined the assisted living ministry at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano where he was a member for 41 years. He served at several homes and received Life Care Center’s Wind Beneath my Wings Award as National Volunteer of the Year. He was flown to their headquarters to be honored by that company and a tree was planted at the home in his memory. He obtained a chauffeurs’ license and added fun to the lives of residents by taking them fishing and on other outings. For the last 15 years, he delivered the flowers from CUMC worship services to one home where he arranged the flowers on the dining tables and visited with the residents during lunch. He even entertained by dressing as the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Other volunteer activities included ringing the Christmas kettle bell for the Salvation Army, teaching gun safety for Texas Parks and Wildlife and instructing groups in various shooting disciplines for the NRA.

Friendly and generous, he opened his home to all. He was a great cook and enjoyed giving away his famous chocolate peanut bars and other creations. He loved to talk and made friends wherever he went.

Through thick and thin, his faith never wavered, and he served the Lord with his talents to the end.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075 with Reverend Mike Flynn officiating.

Donations on behalf of Jim Carney to the Nancey London Troop 261 Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. This fund provides assistance to disadvantaged scouts to attend high adventure camps and associated needs. Troop 261 is the Scout troop at Christ United Methodist Church where Jim and his sons were members from the late 70's - early 80's.

Send checks to: Circle Ten Council BSA, Nancey London Troop 261 Scholarship, 8605 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75235 (attention: Linda Peoples)