James H. Carr, 73 of Bedford, formerly of Abington, died Wednesday November 28, 2018 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford from complications due to his service-connected illness and exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. He was the loving husband of Kathleen A. (McGraw) Carr. Jim and Kathie were married on December 7, 1968 in Kathie's hometown of Rochester, New York.

Born in Providence he was son of the late Francis and Lucille (Gilbert) Carr. He was raised in Winthrop and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1964. He attended the Franklin Institute and received his degree in Civil Engineering from Lowell Technical College.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Serving on active duty from 1967 to 1971, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1969. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Medal and Air Force Commendation Citation.

As a civil engineer Jim specialized in road and bridge projects throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jim was affiliated with a number of construction firms in the greater Boston and South Shore area including Hanover Inc., Baker Construction, Bay Construction, McCourt Construction, D.W. White Inc., Callahan Inc. and Marlyn before his retirement in 2007.

Jim was a member of the Winthrop Elks Lodge and the Somerville V.F.W.

An avid boater, Jim was in his happy place out on the open water. Whether it was going up and down the Charles River, bobbing around Boston Harbor or anywhere around the coast. Jim found true peace and relaxation during the summer boating season (except for that time Jim and Kathie got stranded in the Cape Cod Canal… he could have done without that!!!). Based out of Marina Bay in Quincy Jim also could be counted on to entertain all of his friends at establishments that catered to quenching the thirst of those who "earned their sea legs" after a long day on the water.

Jim also amassed a coin and baseball card collection of which he was rightly proud.

Jim will be remembed as a gentleman who loved his family, served his country, worked diligently at his profession and took full advantage of enjoying the natural beauty of New England.

Jim was always ready to relate a memorable story or adventure he experienced and had a handy joke (of course always tailored to the setting and audience). Along his journey of life, Jim rubbed shoulders with many a memorable character (even some slightly shady ones) from his time in the service, to his years in the construction business, fraternal organizations and "old salts" from from his boating days. Jim was comfortable in all social situations.

Most of all Jim was a loving husband to Kathie, his wife of 49 years. Although he passed just a week shy of their 50 ^th wedding anniversary, Jim would say "Don't sweat it … let's just call it an even 50".

Jim was a proud and loving dad to his daughter Stephanie Carr and his son Bryan Carr and his daughter-in-law Marna. His love for Bryan and Marna's twin daughters, Jim's adored granddaughters, Molly and Bailey, knew no bounds. Being a grandfather was hands down Jim's most favorite role in life. Jim was the brother of the late Kathleen L. Sanborn and is survived by his nieces Colleen and Susan and many cousins and friends he met along the way.

Everyone is invited to honor and remember Jim's life. Visiting hours are on Sunday December 9, 2018 from 2-5 pm at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road Bedford, MA. 01730. A prayer service will be held during visiting hours. Jim will be laid to rest with military honors at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bedford VA Volunteer Services 200 Springs Rd. Bedford, MA. 01730.