James Earl Carden

James (Jim) E. Carden, 91, of Pensacola, FL passed away on March 1, 2013 in Warrington, FL. James was born on May 12, 1921, in Far Rockaway, New York to Thomas Hayes Carden, and Elizabeth Lee (Shorter) Carden.

During his long life, he was blessed to have three wives, surviving them all: Edith, Myrtle and Mildred. He was predeceased by his younger sister Patsy and younger brother Stokes.

He is survived by his 4 children Rusty Carden (Linda) of New Market AL, Victor Carden (Nancy) of Waldorf, MD, Mary Carden Gable, and Jean Carden Piecuch (Dave). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many loving stepchildren.

Jim served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and while assigned to a Liberty Ship in the South Pacific, it was struck by the Japanese Navy. He recovered from his wartime injuries in an Australian hospital. After the war, Jim settled in to a career as an automobile and aircraft technician. Jim was a wonderful provider for his family. He honored his first wife’s dying wish to raise his children by faithfully taking them to Church each Sunday.

Jim has said on many occasions, “I’ve had a wonderful life”. In an interview from 1994 by the Pensacola News Journal Jim was quoted, “I’m 73, but I’m not a senior citizen; I’m a classic. A classic is worth more. I look at life as a lot of fun. If you don’t have a lot of fun, you’re missing a lot.” His love in taking his family and friends fishing and camping throughout his life created many years of enjoyable memories. We will miss his fish fries and hearing the stories of his early days as a Charter Boat Captain. Jim also never knew a stranger, and he had an innate willingness to help all people. He enjoyed watching baseball and football. Before his health failed, he regularly attended the Warrington Baptist Church.

Family will receive friends for Jim's Life Celebration on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Rd. Visitation and Reception will be held from 11:00 a.m. until Funeral Service begins at 12:00 Noon. Entombment will be in the Holy Cross Mausoleum at 1:30 p.m. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.