James Carroll was the son of the late Willie and Mary Lou Williams. He was born on February 22, 1947. Carroll had 3 older brothers and 2 younger sisters. He grew up in Mechanicsville on Dunbar before moving to East Knoxville. (isn’t it funny that he grew up in Mechanicsville and became a mechanic)
After graduating from Austin High School he married Alma Chapel. Soon after he was drafted into the military and served in the Vietnam War. After his service he returned to Knoxville and his first son Roderick was born.
After completing his cosmetologist license he was trained by his brother Cornelius in New Jersey. He went to California for additional training with California Concepts. He returned to Knoxville and opened Mister Carroll’s Deja Vu in the Medical Arts building downtown. He was a Master Barber and Master Hair Stylist. He was a member of the Black Business Men’s Association.
Years after his divorce Carroll met Viviane who would become his wife. They had 3 children together, Porsche, Mia and Joaquim. Carroll loved all his children and was very present at birthdays, sporting events and important life events. Carroll was very attached to his children and grandchildren. He was even able to meet his first great grandson.
Carroll was a creative. He liked the finer things like classic sports cars and exotic dogs. He loved good music and loved to dance. He was a self taught mechanic and enjoyed restoring classic cars, it became his life long hobby. Carroll was a 15 year long member of the BMW Car Club of America. He passed his love of cars down to several of his children and grandchildren.
After his divorce Carroll moved around a bit including to Ohio with his dearest Rhodese. They were best friends. He so loved and missed her and spoke about her often after her passing.
Carroll met Mary Anne with whom he spent the last 19 years of his life. They enjoyed rides through the mountains, traveling, and trips to Florida where Danny Webster and his wife Nel live. Mary Anne accompanied Carroll to BMW car shows and museums. Many Holidays and events were spent celebrating in their home with family. They LOVED to host and entertain!
Carroll is preceded in death by his father, Willie Williams, mother, Mary Lou Williams, sister, Rhodese Hill (brother in law Donald Hill) brothers, Edward Jones and Cornelius Jones.
He will be missed by life partner Mary Anne Webster, most devoted sister Saundra (Beal) Phillips (Felix Phillips), brother Nathaniel Jones of Los Angeles, CA. , son Roderick Williams, daughter Porsche Williams, daughter Mia Williams, son Joaquim Williams, son in law Marcus Roberts, Grandchildren Shaunta Tolliver Williams, Roderick Gerard Williams Jr. (Yoyo), Asia Roberts, Tein Williams, Naimah Shariff, Kingston Roberts and a host of great grandchildren, family and friends.
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