Thomas James Carney Jr.

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Thomas James Carney Jr.

January 15, 1935 ~ August 28, 2024

Thomas James “Jim” Carney Jr., 89, passed away August 28, 2024, in Cottonwood Heights. Born January 15, 1935, in Butte, Montana, Jim was the eldest of seven children born to Thomas James Carney Sr. and Helen Catherine Ballard.

Dad was one of the few lucky people born into his perfect life; crazy about trains, he was born into a railroad family. As a child, he lived in train depots. As an adult he had the biggest train set ever: dispatching trains across the country. He began his career at the age of 14 as a telegrapher for the Union Pacific Railroad.

In 1957, Dad enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Italy, where he had audiences with two popes. Back home he returned to the railroad, retiring in 1989. After retiring, Dad tried his hand at real estate with his wife and was popular at breakfast when he decided to sell waffle mix and waffle makers. Pranks and storytelling kept Dad young. Camping trips were filled with stories and rain, fishing and rain, card games and rain. At home, Dad kept things interesting by constantly remodeling the Pocatello house.

Dad was a devout Catholic, actively involved in Saint Joseph Parish in Pocatello and in Saint Thomas More Parish in Cottonwood Heights. His many roles included CCD instructor, RCIA sponsor, usher, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, collection counting, church security and running a perfectly legal Bingo game at Saint Joseph’s. Dad was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and founded the 11479 Council, serving as its first Grand Knight.

Dad’s greatest joy was his marriage to Joan, with whom he shared a deep and enduring bond, even after her passing. He is survived by his eight children Patrick (Rossana), Brigid, Brenden, Timothy (Julie Graver), Kevin (Ashley), Clifford, Francis (Sara) and Megan (Daniel Zurkan); 30 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings Cathleen, Ann, Tim and Helen Clare. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Patrick and Michael; and his beloved wife Joan.

An Irish wake will be held in his honor on September 13, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Alpha Coffee, 7260 Racquet Club Dr., Cottonwood Heights. A memorial Mass will be at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Cottonwood Heights September 14, 2024 at 10 a.m.; reception follows. Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Knights of Columbus Council 11479 at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church: https://utahknights.org/council/11479/.