James Simeon Carroll

James Simeon Carroll, 86, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly reward on October 3, 2023 with his daughter and wife at his side. He was born on June 8, 1937 in Baton Rouge.

James, lovingly known as Jim, embraced the values of humility, gratitude, and respect for people throughout his life. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church Baton Rouge is where he found Jesus and freely allowed the Lord to use him each day as an opportunity to serve others.

Jim graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1957. His life was marked by a deep sense of duty and service. After a short stint at LSU, in 1958 he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the Navy. With unwavering dedication, he faithfully served until 1961, reaching the honorable rank of Seaman. Jim's commitment to his comrades extended beyond his active service, as he continued to support the military community in the Retired Reserve. In 1988 he retired from the U. S. Naval Reserves with 32 years of outstanding service rising to the esteemed position of Chief Yeoman.

Following his military service in 1961, Jim enrolled back at Louisiana State University. Graduated in the class of 65 and received a B.S. degree in personnel management, but the best part of his life was just about to begin. After graduating from Louisiana College and moving to Baton Rouge to teach, Kathleen Randal met Jim at First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. This past June 3rd James and Kathleen celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jim embarked on a career with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, commencing in 1966. For 31 years, he tirelessly worked within the system, eventually assuming the role of Director of Purchasing. Jim's unwavering work ethic and integrity left an indelible mark on his colleagues and the educational community.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jim selflessly dedicated himself to the Baton Rouge Teachers FCU, now known as Neighbors FCU. For 34 years, he served on the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee, embodying the values of trust, stewardship, and community support.

Jim found joy and purpose in his hobbies, embracing the spirit of servitude through organizations such as Campers on Mission and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Joined with his wife Kathleen by his side, Jim’s compassionate nature and willingness to lend a helping hand brought comfort and relief to those in need. There are numerous residential rooms at Louisiana College, now known as Louisiana Christian University which received a fresh coat of paint each year from his stockpile of brushes.

His Fighting Tigers of LSU was another passion. Jim and Kathleen were season ticket holders in the upper southwest end zone of Tiger Stadium. Jim loved watching LSU football along with other college sports on TV. It was a joy for him to watch another CWS baseball championship team arrive back home to Baton Rouge just after the Women’s Basketball team won their first national championship this past spring.

In 1948 the entire Carroll family joined First Baptist Church Baton Rouge. The years of dedicated service to God’s church and the members of FBC brought him great joy. Jim served as a deacon, on numerous church committees, maintained himself as a front door greater along with helping those in wheelchairs, and always wore a smile which conveyed the Gospel message, “I’m very happy to meet you.”

James Simeon Carroll will forever be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to service, and his commitment to bettering the lives of others. His life serves as a testament to the love of Jesus along with gratitude and respect for all people. May his soul find eternal peace and his memory continue to inspire us to live with purpose that God has a plan for each and every one.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Hospice of Baton Rouge and his nurse Sally for the wonderful care given to Jim over these past few months.

He is preceded in death by Howard V. and Mabel T. Carroll, his brother Daniel and Marion Carroll, Ester Worth, James W. Carroll, and Andrew Carroll.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen R. Carroll, Scott C. Carroll and Kim, Zoey Carroll, Kathy C Simon and James, Kristina and Gabriel Saavedra and Kathyrn Simon.

Services for Jim will be on October 14. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church Baton Rouge beginning at 10am with service to follow at noon. Burial will be at Green Oaks Memorial Park following service.