James L. Carroll

Carroll, James L. Age 93, of Bloomington, left this Earth and was reunited with the love of his life, Effie, on Tues, March 28th. Ten years to the day of her passing. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Effie; siblings, Hazel, Jewel, and Harold Jackson. Survived by his loving children, David and Anita; many nieces and nephews, great and great-great; cousins and sister-in-law Florence. WWII veteran, 101st Airborne, 501 PIR, C Company. Bronze Star Medal and French Legion of Honor recipient. D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, Holland, Market Garden. He never spoke of the war until one day when he was ice fishing with his daughter around 1980 and she asked him why he never spoke about the war. He replied, 'No one ever asked.' Point taken. Since then people have been asking, which led him to start speaking about his experiences in the war; at schools, community functions, Independent film, TV and radio interviews, to name a few. Jim was presented the French Legion of Honor in 2014 by Senator Amy Klobuchar and the French council. There is an audio recording of him describing his jump on D-Day at The Greatest Generation display at the History Center. He's been recognized for his service by the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, the MN State Fair and Mayor Gene Winstead. Jim was a machine shop Forman for Durkee Atwood for over 20 years, retired and then was a school bus driver for Bloomington until retiring again 15 years later. He was a hard worker, inventor, master gardener that always planted enough vegetables to share with everyone. He was the most loving selfless person; a gentlemen, who would always hold the door for the ladies. He always knew how to make you smile and had a priceless sense of humor and he made sure you never left the house hungry. He was one of the last original members of the Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation when it reopened in the late 1960's. Serving on the board, ushering, helping in the office, building and repairing when needed. All you had to do was ask. He was considered by many as the patriarch of the chapel. He was active all through his life; he was a pitcher in fast pitch softball. Enjoyed biking, tennis, active with the kids in Boy Scouts, Indian Princess and Indian Guides. Avid fisherman, played poker every month with the guys for 50 years, up until Effie's health declined. He then became her caregiver 24/7. A life well lived, a man who will be dearly missed.