James W. Carroll

James William Carroll passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Center at age 69. The son of William A. Carroll and Dorothy J. Carroll, Jim was born March 28, 1944 in Ithaca. He attended local schools, participated in the Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1962. Jim earned a B.A. degree with honors from Dartmouth College in 1966, majoring in Economics. At Dartmouth, he was a member of the Forensic Union, the Debate Team, and Aquinas House. Jim then attended New York University Law School and earned a J.D. degree in 1969. At N.Y.U., he was editor of the Law Review. Upon graduation, Jim entered the U.S. Marine Corps, attained the rank of Captain, and served honorably for four years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the Marines, he worked for the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC. Jim relocated to Ithaca in 1975, founded his own firm, and practiced law for more than 35 years. Over the past two decades, he developed a second career as a landlord, purchasing and leasing a number of residential properties. Jim was a scholar, a voracious reader, and collected a significant library of books. He was also Secretary of Cayuga Hose Company #1, a firemen's association. Jim was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his brother Timothy Carroll; sister-in-law Diana Carroll; nephew Ryan Carroll; and niece Lindsay Carroll (all of Wellesley, MA) as well as several cousins. He is also survived by his dear friend and companion of many years, Leona House. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library or Cayuga Hose Company #1. A Celebration of His Life will be held Friday August 9, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at Bangs Funeral Home with Rev. Alice Tewell officiating, Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday August 8, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Bangs Funeral Home -