The community has lost another champion: rest in peace James Carroll

The community is mourning the loss of James Carroll, a local radio personality, well-known actor, ardent community supporter and father, who died from lung cancer on Wednesday night at the age of 60.

Outside the community, Carroll is perhaps best known for his long-standing role as Max Sutton for six seasons on the popular CBC series Wind at My Back.

However, the people of Huntsville will most fondly remember James as a tireless promoter of the arts, a familiar voice on the radio, and a person who gave freely of his many talents in support of worthwhile community causes.

James was a supporter of the Table Soup Kitchen, Community Living Huntsville, community theatre and the local music scene, to name a few. He was often seen around town giving freely of his time emceeing local events.

Fittingly, James hit it off quickly with fellow actor and community supporter Grant Nickalls. James and Grant worked side-by-side for many years at Hunters Bay Radio and also shared the stage in many productions.

Grant recalls that time fondly.

James was one of those people who, when you talked to him, he was present. That might sound hokey, but it’s true. He listened to you. You can tell when you have someone’s attention. He was always in the moment. And he had an ability to put people at ease: a calming presence. That’s quite a gift.Grant Nickalls

Grant went on to say, “James always made you feel a little bit better about yourself. When I would bitch to him about acting he would look at me and say, Stop your pity party. You’re working. You’re an actor and you’re working. He had a way of making you check yourself. I appreciated that.”

Grant and James

Grant was fortunate to spend some time with James while he was in the hospital. He fondly recalls James asking each nurse their name and he says he never forgot it once he was told. “He was a bit of a flirt. Always giving out compliments.”

Something James said recently has stuck with Grant, made him check himself. It continues to echo in his mind. He said, “You know, Grant, I always thought that if I worked hard I could play hard, but apparently I was wrong.”

James leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter, Emma. A GoFundMe account had been established for her. Click here for the link.

A tribute page has been set up on Facebook. Follow this link to see pictures and comments: James Carroll Facebook tribute page.