At nearly 101 years of age, World War II Marine fighter pilot, beloved father and husband, grand- and great-grandfather Jim Corr passed away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. His laughter, storytelling, and determined pursuit of excellence shaped his long and full life.
Born on June 28, 1922, in Selma, Alabama, Jim was one of seven children of Julia Dozier and Mark Stroud Corr. After working in the House of Representatives in Washington DC as an elevator operator and attending Georgetown University, Jim enlisted in the Marines to become a fighter pilot. He served as a Second Lieutenant in WWII, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three stars, flying a Corsair fighter plane in the Pacific. He continued his love of flying in his personal life, piloting his beloved Beachcraft Bonanza airplane well into his eighties, often donating his time and airplane to the Angel Flight organization.
After returning from the war, he added a law degree to his CPA certification, building a series of successful businesses in Birmingham and Atlanta. He was president and co-owner of Buck Creek Industries. Buck Creek was purchased by the giant textile conglomerate Sperry Hutchinson. Jim served as a vice president until his retirement.
Jim was born for adventure. He was an avid runner, skier, golfer, and passionate consumer of ice cream. Once a year for 23 years, he and his youngest son explored the northern Boundary Waters bringing back tall tales of encounters with hungry bears and nosy park rangers. Days at the lake with all of the children in the family tubing, swimming and (meticulously) covering the pontoon after each use remain fond memories for the entire family. For many years the family has enjoyed playing in the gulf and watching epic sunsets at the beloved “Dew-Pop Inn” Beach House.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith H. Corr. He is the father of four children, James V. Corr, Jr. (Van and Donna), William V. Corr (Bill and Susan), Emily C. Lee (Em and Mark), and Julia C. Gordy (Julie and Randy). He is the grandfather to 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Alice C. Rogers of Camden, ME, and numerous nieces and nephews. The Corr’s called both Atlanta, Georgia and Carillon Beach, Florida “home,” where they are part of the congregations of Christ Church of Atlanta and Carillon Beach Chapel.
The funeral will be held at H.M. Patterson and Son- Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd.NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 on Saturday, April 15 at 10:30am. Interment with military honors will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. Charitable donations can be made to the charity of your choice, Christ Church of Atlanta, Wounded Warriors Project, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
