Written by Harding Public Relations
Dr. James F. (Jimmy) Carr Jr., 95, of Searcy, Ark., died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, in Searcy. He was born May 6, 1913, in Farmville, N.C., the son of James F. and Eula Carr.
He spent his entire working career involved in education, more than 50 years of which were involved in higher education. In 1946, his mentor and friend Dr. Doak Campbell, the president of Florida State University, asked Carr to join his administration. That invitation was the beginning of his career in higher education.
After serving in numerous administrative posts at Florida State University, in 1970 he retired from the Florida Board of Regents to accept the position as assistant dean at then Harding College in Searcy. In 1973 he was named assistant to the president, a position he held until he retired again in 1997.
Former Florida Governor Reubin Askew said, “Jimmy Carr was the most admired and respected college administrator I’ve ever known.”
Carr received his undergraduate education at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. He then received an M.A. in 1942 from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., followed by M.S. and Ed.D. degrees from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1951 and 1955, respectively.
A three and a half-year period of military service in World War II in the Army Air Corps interrupted his graduate work at Peabody. During World War II, he was stationed in the Cook Islands, where he developed numerous friendships with the islanders.
Known for his boundless energy and exuberant enthusiasm, Carr coined the phrase in the mid-’70s, “It’s great to be at Harding!” Just a few months before his retirement from Harding he reiterated that feeling by saying his time at Harding “has been the greatest experience of my career.”
During his tenure at Harding he helped provide the initial development for the College of Nursing, the Elderhostel activities on the campus and Harding Place, the University’s retirement community.
“Dr. Jimmy Carr was one of a kind in terms of his leadership for Harding University over many years,” Harding President Dr. David Burks said. “He served as assistant to the president for Dr. Ganus and for me. He was an ideas person and a constant public relations genius.
“He was a man of great faith and he was a good friend. He was a visionary leader for Harding University as well as for the community of Searcy. He will be greatly missed.”
Following his retirement from Harding in 1997, he served as assistant to the president of White County Medical Center in Searcy. He enjoyed his work at the Medical Center, but last year, at age 95, he decided it was time to permanently retire again. Even in retirement, he was an active volunteer at the hospital.
“In his role at White County Medical Center, Dr. Carr was an ambassador for the hospital. He was the face of White County Medical Center in public events and to civic organizations. He had an incredible work ethic, and he has been a role model to me,” Ray Montgomery, the president of the Medical Center, said. “Dr. Carr was a true southern gentleman. He was exceptional in the way he related to other people, and he was extremely well respected in the community. Dr. Carr was a very godly man in his deeds and actions. He lived his faith.”
Carr’s enthusiasm was not limited to his work for Harding. He was a proud ambassador for the city of Searcy. Always quick to coin a phrase, he created the slogan, “Searcy, Ark. — A city where thousands live as millions wish they could.”
His involvement in civic activities was known throughout the community. He served in leadership roles and was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Quapaw Council of Boy Scouts, Sunshine School, Sheltered Workshop, United Way, White County Heart Association, Arkansas Kidney Foundation, Arkansas Governor’s Committee on the Handicapped and the White River Health Planning and Development District.
He was a member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, where he served as an elder for many years.
A memorial service for Carr will be held on Monday, April 6, at 4 p.m. at the College Church of Christ in Searcy. Visitation with the family will follow the memorial service in the Family Room of College Church.
Condolences and memories may be sent to:lhowell@harding.eduor to 801 S. Benton, #4303, Searcy, AR 72143.
