James Michael Carr

Born April 13, 1942 in Ottawa, IL to Captain Robert E. and Mary E. (née Crowley) Carr. He attended Marquette Academy and Catholic University. He became a Priest in 1968 and in 1979 obtained his Master's Degree in Canon Law. He served at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Peoria and St Luke’s in Eureka before accepting a position in Washington DC. He enjoyed meeting Pope John Paul. He last worked as an Assistant Director of Westcare at Sheridan Correctional Facility in May 2020.

Believing his life unfulfilled without a family of his own, he left the priesthood and met and married the love of his life Nancy Dickerson on July 25,1992. He became the instant bonus father to her four children, Michelle (Michael) Arends, Roger (Jennifer) Burdess, Shannon (Scott) Morgan and Joshua Burdess. In their 29 years of marriage, they became the loving grandparents to Austin Little, Zachary (Sean Schofield) Burdess, Dr. Paige ( Brennan) Tschop, Chase Arends, Bailey (Fiancée Alex Watts) Little, Pierson Burdess, Kathryn Arends, Madison Burdess, Brittany (Kris) Feltz and Nathan(Shelby) Brush.

They have also been blessed with nine Great Grandchildren and have two on the way.

Jim loved his wife’s large family. Sister In Laws Christine Conway, Kathleen (Patrick) Daly, Mary Ann (Rick) Morrow and Erin Dickerson. Brother In laws Dr. Thomas (Donna) Dickerson, Dr. Paul (Cassie) Dickerson and Dr. John Dickerson. Several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins survive him.

Jim enjoyed watching the Masters Tournament each year as he was an avid golfer himself. His biggest love besides his family was his beloved Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed flying his W Flag and held faith always for “The Next Year”. Jim had a fun rivalry with his Cardinals loving Son in Laws who were good sports and let their Father in Law have his fun.

Jim and Nancy fulfilled a lifelong dream and spent their 25th anniversary on a trip to Ireland.

Spoiling his wife was a favorite event. Even while ill, he purchased and surprised her with her favorite Chanel perfume. He had a taste for the finer things in life and loved to lavish his wife with beautiful things. He was the Gold Standard of being a Wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend.

A True Irishman, he enjoyed sitting on the porch with a pint of Guiness with his Best Friend Nancy and their Cubbie Dog watching the beauty of the world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is proceeded in death by his Parents Robert and Mary Carr and his Wife’s parents Dr. George and Ellen Dickerson.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23,2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Remmert Funeral Home 521 E. Washington St., East Peoria, Illinois 61611, followed by a celebration of James life at 2:00pm.

Memorial contributions can be made in his name to St Jude Midwest Affiliate @ www.stjude.org

Jim loved to watch his Brother in law run the Peoria to Memphis run for St Jude.