Obituaries

Dr. James Richard Carroll, Jr., known to friends and family as “Jim “ and “Poppy” to his grandchildren, has passed away surrounded by love on October 12, 2024. His legacy of care, compassion, and witty humor will carry on in his family. His dedication to the profession of dentistry and his role in the community will be greatly missed. Born in Paris, Texas, on January 10, 1946 he was the beloved son of James R. Carroll, Sr. “Dick” and Jonnie Coers Carroll. Raised in Anahuac, TX, Jim’s roots were deep in Texas soil, where he forged lifelong friendships and family values. He was proud to be a third generation tree farmer from East Texas, a heritage he would boast about if asked.

A proud alumnus of Stephen F. Austin State University and an esteemed member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, Jim’s college days were filled with brotherhood and adventure. He then went on to graduate from Baylor University College of Dentistry in January 1974, where his passion for dentistry took shape. As a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, Jim’s commitment to his patients was unwavering.
He also served his community by serving on multiple boards in Sherman with the Camp Fire, United Way, and the administrative board of the First United Methodist Church of Sherman, a member of the Texas Dental Association for 50 years, and also the Sherman Noon Lions Club . He was always looking for ways to give back to his community and to help others, a part of his caring and compassionate nature.

Jim retired on October 6, 2016, after a long and rewarding career. Although he enjoyed retirement, he would say what he missed most were the rooted relationships that he had developed with his patients. Although retired, his love for life never took time off. An avid fly fisherman, Jim found joy in casting his line in serene rivers and sharing his passion for fishing with his son and his friends. He loved to travel, a piece of his heart being in Maui, HI. This was his “happy place,” where countless memories were made with his family and summer friends. When not on the water or on a new adventure, you’d likely find Jim on the golf course, enjoying a good laugh with his buddies.

Jim was a loving husband to Susan Archer Carroll, his cherished wife of 50 years, who he loved every day with devotion and adoration. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, raising three wonderful children in Sherman, Texas. Their children and families include Amy and husband Matt Oefinger, daughters Olivia and Isabelle of Bells, TX; Courtney of Dallas, TX; and Blake and wife Michelle, sons Hewitt and Brooks, and daughter Yvonne of Gilbert, AZ. Jim’s family was his greatest joy, and he reveled in every moment spent with them. Jim is also survived by his brother, Robert Earl Carroll, and wife Lucy of Hallsville, TX, and his niece Cassie Carroll of Rio Rancho, NM.

Though he has departed from this world, Jim’s spirit will forever live on in the laughter shared around a dinner table, the joy his grandchildren bring to the world, the quiet peace of a fishing trip at sunrise, beach glassing at low tide, shelling by the ocean, and watching sunsets with family and friends in his beloved Maui.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s honor to the First United Methodist Church Sherman, House of Eli of Sherman, or The Dining Car of Sherman.

Jim Carroll’s life was one of love, joy, and unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy and light will never fade.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at First United Methodist Church Sherman at 11:00 am.