James Robert Carney

James Robert Carney, age 79, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Dr. Ruth McLain Hospice House in Braintree, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Michael Joseph and Catherine P. (Downing) Carney.  He was raised in Brighton, where he graduated from Saint Columbkille's High School with the Class of 1959.  Jim graduated from Boston State Teacher's College in 1964, with a bachelor’s degree majoring in history.  Following his graduation, Jim enrolled at Boston College, where he earned his master’s degree in Education with a concentration in blind rehabilitation in 1965.

Jim married his beloved wife, Anne M. O'Keefe, on July 16, 1966, in Saint Ambrose Church in Dorchester.  Shortly after their wedding, the young couple traveled to Illinois, where they made their home together in Addison.  While living in Addison, Jim began his career with the Veterans Administration, taking a position with the Hines VA Hospital, working with veterans who had lost their sight in Vietnam.  In 1969, Jim and Anne packed their home and started their trek back East, making their home in North Haven, Connecticut.  Jim transferred to the Blind Rehabilitation Center at the West Haven VA Hospital, continuing his work with blind veterans.  While still in West Haven, Jim transitioned to an administrative role within the Blind Rehab Center. In 1974, Jim and Anne returned to Massachusetts with their family, settling in the small suburban town of Sharon.  Jim began his service as the Administrator of the Blind Rehabilitation Center at the West Roxbury VA Hospital.  He eventually served as the Administrative Officer in the Chief of Staff’s Office at the VA Boston Healthcare System in Jamaica Plain, until his retirement in 2005.

In his retirement, Jim loved to travel.  He and Anne created wonderful memories from trips throughout the United States and the world.  As a history buff, Jim always traveled with a good book and enjoyed learning about the cultures of the countries he and Anne visited. At each place he traveled, Jim enjoyed the local cuisine and the local beer.  In addition, Jim was an avid fisherman, who loved casting his line into the water, whether on vacation or at home.  He especially loved fishing with his children, grandchildren, and his brother Paul.

Back at home, Jim was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and enjoyed giving back to his community by volunteering his time with the Knights of Columbus and the Friends of the Council on Aging.  He was known as the Chairman in the longest running poker group in Sharon, building wonderful relationships with his friends. Jim and Anne also hosted many holiday celebrations, including their annual Fourth of July barbeque for family and friends.

Most of all, Jim was a dedicated family man, who treasured the moments surrounded by those he loved, including his dogs.  As a devoted father, he enjoyed bi-annual camping trips with his wife and children, and eventually, his grandchildren.  He enjoyed sitting around the campfire, relaxing with his family and eating s’mores. Each year, Jim looked forward to his annual summer vacation in Narragansett, Rhode Island, with his ever-expanding family. 

Beloved husband of Anne M. Carney.

Loving father of Andrea D. Fennell and her husband, John, Jr., of Sharon, Erin Carney D'Angelo and her husband, Jack, of Pelham, New York, and Michael J. Carney and his wife, Carie, of Marstons Mills.

Cherished grandfather of Joseph, Daniel, Jack, Madison, Katie, Nicolas, and Lucas.

Brother of Paul Carney and his late wife, Nancy, of North Falmouth, and the late Fr. Joseph Carney.

Also survived by his loving brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as his many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 9:00 AM, prior to Jim's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, noting Jim's name and Dr. Taplin's Research Fund on the memo line. Donations to Dr. Taplin’s Research Fund can also be made on the Dana-Farber Giving Page in Memory of James Carney at

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=1200&pg=team&team_id=10560&s_hasSecureSession=true