OAKVILLE ⚊ James T. Carney 71, of Oakville died December 31st, after a long battle with lung and throat cancer.

Jim was born September 18th, 1946, son of the late James E. and Catherine M.(Withey) Carney. He was raised in Oakville and was educated in local schools. He joined the army in 1964 and served first in Germany, then in Vietnam from 1966-1967. After his honorable discharge he joined his family living in Hollywood, FL.

Jimmy began a career as a long distance truck driver after a move to New Jersey. He worked for Metropolitan Trucking until he came back to Connecticut to care for his father. He worked for Cocchiola Paving in Oakville until his retirement. While working there he was lauded for avoiding a crash into the historic Cornwall Bridge and oncoming traffic when his brakes failed, managing to crash into the woods instead.

For fun, he loved fishing in local waters and Long Island Sound, and ocean fishing with his brothers in Florida where he visited many winters.

After Jim retired he developed an interest in garden tractor pulling and attended many tractor pulls at country fairs over the last four years with his friends George and Brandon. He took the reins at one pull on a Bolens HT20 at Terryville and came home with a ribbon. Jimmy really enjoyed his last few summers at the pulls.

Among his family and friends Jimmy was known for his "mischievous" behavior and for always having a joke to tell. He was also known for his big heart and generous nature. Jim shared a strong family interest in music and singing and was a self-taught guitar player.

Jim is survived by two sons, Sean Carney of New Jersey and Eric Carney of Rutherford, N.J.; he was the 4th child of 10 and is survived by his siblings, Helen Cronin and her husband, Dave, of Avon Park, Fla.; Frances Chaine and her husband, Jean-Paul, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maureen Carney and her partner, John Cox, of Branford, Catherine Marano of Watertown, John Carney and his wife, Gail, of Delray Beach, Fla.; Susan Marra and her husband, Tim, of Bridgeport; Timothy Carney and his wife, Glenda, of Plantation, Fla., and Theresa Carney of Waterbury; 14 nieces and nephews; and 10 great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by a sister, Margaret Lukowski.

Burial of his ashes will be at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at the family's convenience.

Family and friend's are invited to share memories of Jim Carney on Sunday, January 21st, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 758 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck.