J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

McCarron, James P.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

James P. McCarron, Colonel (USA, RET), 67, formerly of Conduit Road in Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 8, 2009, in Cumming, Georgia, following a period of declining health. COL McCarron was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 26, 1941. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Alice Faye (Evans) McCarron; two sons, Michael J. McCarron, of Cumming, Georgia, and Sean P. McCarron (Wendy) of Canton, Georgia. The last four years of his life were blessed and brightened by the love of his twin grandsons, Evan Robert McCarron and Ryan James McCarron. He also leaves to mourn his passing his devoted sister, Mickey Pittman (Jimmie) of Lehigh Acres, Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother, Amelia Piontek McCarron, and father, MSGT (USA, RET) James M. McCarron. After graduation from Prince George High School in 1959, he entered the ROTC program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a BS in Education. In 1963 he began his military career in the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, Virginia, proudly devoting 26 years in service to his country. While in the Army he furthered his education by obtaining his MS in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, as well as completing numerous military career advancement courses. Upon retirement from active duty, he focused his educational skills on substitute teaching in the classroom, homebound teaching, and tutoring students at Colonial Heights and Prince George High Schools. Jim's love of sports lead to his participation in the USSSA organization beginning in 1974, first as a well-respected umpire, and later serving as an Area and State Director for the State of Virginia. He directed adult softball tournaments and umpired all levels of play, including girl's high school fast pitch, and has umpired in two Major Men's World Series and numerous national and regional tournaments. He was recognized for his contributions to the USSSA program by his induction into both the National USSSA Hall of Fame (1990), and the Virginia USSSA Hall of Fame (1999). He is a past Executive-Vice President of the United States Specialty Sports Association, spending many years promoting and championing the ideals of the Association, always proud of his affiliation with the USSSA family. COL McCarron's family will receive friends Monday, January 12, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11: 00 am on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors immediately following at Southlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or United Cerebral Palsy. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

My sincere condolences to the Jim McCarron family. When I started umpiring softball, Jim was one of the first ones who helped me learn the basics of the game. He was always professional in his work habits and he would never hesitate to give me some advice to correct my technique and show me how to do things better. Thank you, Jim, for helping me. The USSSA organization will miss you very much along with your family and many friends. God Bless you and your family.

Posted by: kevin woodward at January 21, 2009 07:35 PM

To all of Jim's family, and especially to Mickey, who was also our friend at Prince George, I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He led a good life, and I am sure he will be sorely missed by his wonderful family.
Treena K. Rowan

Posted by: Treena Kliment Rowan at January 13, 2009 06:33 AM

It was my honor and pleasure to first meet Jim McCarron at the 1994 USSSA Men's Major World Series. I was a naive young sports announcer in the USSSA press box for the first time. He was the experienced scorekeeper and statistician who had run the World Series' press box for years. Needless to say, he ran the press box with the sort of dedication, order and discipline he brought to all facets of his life. His drive for perfection was contagious.

In the 15 years that have passed, it has been my privilege to share the press box with Jim for a week at each and every USSSA World Series since. It is an even greater privilege to call him my friend. His love for softball and his dedication to USSSA never changed. It is the passion he brought to everything he did and his neverending pursuit of doing things "the right way" that I will never forget.

In the many hours we spent together, the incredible love Jim had for Faye and his family always came through. Although it is hard to overestimate the love Jim had for softball, it was always clear that his greatest love was for his wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers will be with them in this difficult time.

Just over 3 short months ago, I had the opportunity to, as we do every year, share a celebratory dinner with Jim at the end of another successful World Series. As always, the conversation was lively ... from softball to family to politics, but little did I know it would be the last time I would break bread with Jim -- and if I had there are a lot of things I would have said to him.

I won't say them all here -- but what I will say is, "Jim, my life is better for having known you. The impact you have made on so many people's lives will never be forgotten. I can't imagine the World Series without you -- but I know you'll be watching from up above and smiling (or questioning a rules interpretation.) When I finally make it through the pearly gates, I know there will be a game going on somewhere -- and I'll look for you behind the plate. I love you brutha'"

Jeff Brown

Posted by: Jeffrey A. Brown at January 12, 2009 02:57 PM

My sincere condolences to the Jim McCarron family. I was priviledged to know Jim through our mutual association with USSSA. It was my great pleasure to attend umpiring clinics held by Jim and to umpire games for him in Petersburg. He was fair and well-respected. Jim was a good friend and I will cherish my fond memories of him. May your memories bring you comfort and keep your loved one close in heart.

God bless you all.

Clyde Aldridge
North Carolina

Posted by: Clyde Aldridge at January 12, 2009 11:01 AM

I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I first met him when he was a Major in Germany in the early 70's, and I worked with him when he was a LTC in the Concepts & Doctrine (C&D) Directorate of CASCOM at Fort Lee, VA. Then I worked for him when he came back as a COL to be Director of C&D. Jim was a good friend, a good fellow action officer, and a good boss. I know he has left many fond memories and has set a good example of how to lead a productive life.

Posted by: Henry Crites at January 12, 2009 09:57 AM

My sincere condolences to COL McCarron's family. I worked with him in C&D years ago. He was a very knowledgeable, kind and understanding supervisor and I enjoyed the time I worked with him. I know he will be sadly missed by family and many friends. May your grief pass gently.

Shirley Rouse

Posted by: shirley at January 12, 2009 07:56 AM

To the entire McCarron Family, our sincerest condolences from Ohio USSSA Softball.

Jim cared very deeply for the game and it was evident in all that he did for the Association.

His common sense and directness on all matters made him well respected by all the players and teams he encountered and all the umpires and Directors he mentored all across this great country.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all of us in the USSSA family.

Posted by: Scott Kuhnen at January 10, 2009 02:11 PM

I have lost a dear friend and umpire. I have a lot of good times with Jim and we talk a lot about rules. I missed him at Convention this year. My prayers are with the family.

Posted by: Mike McNutt at January 10, 2009 01:10 PM

My sincerest condolences go out to Faye and Jim’s family.

Jim was a special individual who wanted the best for his family and all those who he worked with and served. He wanted & expected everything he was a part of to be held to highest of standards and did everything within his means to see that come about.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have worked with and enjoyed Jim’s friendship count our blessings for the time we had with him.

Posted by: Hank Bassett at January 10, 2009 08:34 AM

I remember Jim from Prince George High and sorry to hear of his passing. I've had no contact with Jim since high school, it is good to know he lead a very productive life.

Posted by: James (1961) at January 9, 2009 05:46 PM