Jim lived large and loved large. He was competitive, strong willed, soft hearted, passionate, and had a laugh you could never forget. Jim was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a son, an uncle, a friend, a coach, a teacher, a role model and someone you could count on. He was strong both physically and mentally, was brave and courageous, he lived his life without fear, always pushing his own limits and lived by it; encouraging others to push past their own comfort level in order to better themselves. He embraced challenges and was always in search of a new one. There wasn't anything he wouldn't try to do and he insisted that everyone else follow his example.
Born the middle child of 5 to Joe and Sonya (Taylor) Carolan in Kansas City, MO, even as a child Jim was very sweet and loving, notwithstanding a notable orneriness. At the age of 19 he married the love of his life, Melissa (Auld) Carolan. His family meant everything to him. He will always be "Papa" to his grandchildren whom he loved more than anything. For them, he always made quality time to be available to talk, to be a great listener, to be an encouraging coach, and to play. Together he and his grandchildren shared many, many laughs, created memorable moments and unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever. He gave the best hugs and gave them freely.
Jim was full of energy. He was excited to try new things. People say you should live every day as though it were your last and Jim really did that. He was a tough guy, who didn't complain about life's hardships. On a number of occasions, it was only after a bath, or a quick rise with the hose, that his wounds were discovered, as they had been buried beneath that day's layer of dirt.
He was a hard worker; at work, at home and everywhere in between. He especially enjoyed doing yard work and building things. With most everything in his life, he had a very specific way that things should be done. He was constantly making and executing plans for another improvement project or something exciting to build for his grandchildren. Even as a young child, he and his brother, Larry, would self-engineer things to improve their lives, such as hot wheels, skateboards and treehouses.
Jim was extremely social, he didn't know a stranger, he always went out of his way to make new friends and loved talking to people. Jim was always willing to help with any kind of project. He was a captivating teacher who shared a countless number of useful life skills. Even following his death Jim continues to help people as an organ donor; even these few people who never got the pleasure of knowing Jim will get to live another day and be touched by his generosity.
He spent the last 39 years driving "trucks." The most recent 16 years he drove for UPS Freight, boldly and courageously through the night.
He knew how to relax and always found time for that, too. He enjoyed watching the Chiefs play football and drivers compete in the NASCAR races. His favorite hobby was working out and lifting weights. His most frequented social scene was the gym; it was there, in the gym, where he lived his last few moments doing something he loved and doing it with a friend.
Survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Melissa; his children Fallyn (Ballard Johnson), James and Michael; his grandchildren Emma, Blakely Johnson and Kinsley Johnson; his mother Sonya; and his siblings Peggy Vest, Larry and Lisa. He was preceded in death by his father Joe; and his sister Marsha Weiss.
Jim is up there in heaven right now still pushing his limits, waiting for us all to join him again someday, share a hug, a laugh, and all the good memories. He will be loved forever and missed immensely. The life lessons, stories and the memories he created will be with each and every one of us forever. There will always be a place in our hearts we can call Jim's home. Although he isn't with us here today, the things he created and the memories we shared will always be with us forever. May he live forever in our hearts until we are reunited with him again.
"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes." says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13
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