James Edward Carey

Devoted husband, father, friend, and teacher went to his true home on December 10, 2015, aged 90 years. He follows his wife of 24 years, Liz Murphy Carey; his parents, Tom and Hannah Carey; his brothers, Tom and Jack Carey; and his sister, Mary G. Scott. Jim is survived by his children, Kate, Tom, and Mike; by his daughter-in-law, Cameron; by his sister, Joan Ergas; and by his sister-in-law Anne Carey. He leaves his dear grandchildren Jimmy, Griffin, and Elizabeth Carey. He was Uncle Jim to 16 nieces and nephews in the Scott, Ergas and Murphy families. Born at 14 Marsily St., San Francisco, Jim attended St. John the Evangelist grammar school, and later St. Ignatius and Balboa High Schools. He enlisted in 1943, and eventually was flying bombing missions over Europe. His experiences as a ball-turret gunner in that B-17 are well documented, and he was proud to have served his country. His crew survived the war, and the bonds formed in that aircraft inspired many future reunions. Returning, he worked at San Francisco Public Library and attended San Francisco State College. Earning a teaching credential and his M.A., he embarked on a long career in San Mateo schools, first at Hayward Park and later Borel Middle School. He taught remedial reading and other subjects, and treated every child as a unique person (throwing in a few Starbursts for good measure.) He met kindergarten teacher Liz Murphy, and they married in 1956, settling in Burlingame. Jim's devotion to his family was unswerving, and showed in many ways: teaching summer school while Liz and the kids enjoyed vacations at Zephyr Cove; hosting "pow-wows" with M & M's in front of the fireplace; playing word games at the dinner table; attending all of our school functions. He encouraged his children in whatever interests they leaned toward. For Jim, the family was the School of Love. With the arrival of grandchildren, he moved to Petaluma, where he could be a presence in their lives. J. C. loved music of all sorts, and had fun collecting it. His appreciation of the Soviet Army Chorus rendition of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" is just one example. In retirement, Jim got a kick out of meeting with old school buddies and fellow retirees. He was a proud honorary member of The 200 Club in San Mateo (he didn't meet the weight requirement.) He was a member of the United Irish Cultural Center, and of several veterans' associations. Taking after his father, Jim walked everywhere, and every day (often ahead of the rest of us.) He was a familiar sight on the streets of Burlingame. In summer, he would take his sons, various nephews (and, one niece) on camping trips in the Sierras, teaching us how to tie a hook to fishing line, or how to clean a trout. His appreciation of nature and respect for all life was another gift he passed to his children and grandchildren. Jim developed dementia some years ago, and while his mind faltered, his capacity for kindness only increased. We remember him profoundly contented, just sitting in the warm sun. His integrity is his legacy. Son of Irish immigrants, Jim would often say, in parting, "Keep the wind at your back." We celebrate his reunion in heaven with those that have gone before, and we say to Jim, "May the road rise up to meet you!" Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Liturgy on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 2:30 P.M. at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA. Private interment at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo. Funeral Service

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 2:30 AM 850 Keokuk Street Petaluma, California 94952 Directions