James Hugh Carney

James Hugh Carney, 87, a long-time LCCC faculty member, died June 20, 2025, following a long illness.

Jim, the youngest of four children, was born to Edith Stacy Carney and John Sherman Carney September 27, 1937. He grew up in Willoughby, Ohio, and graduated from Willoughby High School and Hiram College before earning his Master’s degree in mathematics from Syracuse University. 

While growing up in Willoughby, he and his brothers were sometimes known in the community for good-natured mischief such as the time when they “borrowed” a bulldozer from a construction site for a joy ride. They also accumulated a stockpile of old bicycles behind the garage which they and children from all over the neighborhood used for spare parts.  Jim drove stock cars as a young man for fun and enjoyed fixing up old cars.  But Jim also sought support and mentorship from responsible elders. After losing his mother at a young age, Jim was helped by relatives, teachers and neighbors who helped him to grow up and succeed. After Jim’s father remarried, his stepmother, Marie, became a guiding support for Jim.  A boy scout in his youth, he was proud to be awarded The Order of the Arrow.  

Before and during college he worked many jobs, including at a dime store, a gas station and a car dealership. He postponed college for a year to work and raise money, and worked for several summers at Camp Grand Pines, where he met Marianna Wilde, who became his wife. Jim and Marianna wed in 1961 and they remained happily married for the rest of his life. 

During high school, a teacher recognized that Jim had a talent for mathematics and she encouraged him to mentor other children in math. This started his lifelong career in mathematics education. Jim worked for over 30 years at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) as a Math Professor. He served, for a time, as president of the faculty senate.  Jim was honored to be chair of the Math and Science Department at LCCC and held that position until he retired. 

Outside of work, Jim was involved with family, church, volunteering, and many hobbies. He and Marianna were longtime members of Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation, where Jim served as treasurer. When his children were young, he was scoutmaster to the local cub scout troop. The family enjoyed frequent travel, camping excursions, and trips to Sunset Beach in North Carolina. 

Jim was a fan of puns and word play and puzzles, and his cackling laughter was frequently heard wherever he went. He was also an avid amateur artisan, taking classes, and crafting in wood, clay, glass and metal at various times in his life. He was a creative cook and took joy in creating and developing new recipes. His family holds onto favorite recipes and various handmade objects as remembrance of Jim, and all three of his children became educators. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marianna; brother, Paul (Judy); children, David (Stephanie Ripma), Michael (Lucy) and Karen (Jeff Carpenter) Carney and grandchildren, Erin, Wesley, James, Samantha, Jack and Julia Carney.  Jim's youngest grandchild, Julia, was born just hours before his passing.  

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Edith; siblings, Ralph Carney and Patricia Wendling; many cousins, aunts and uncles.

A Memorial Service will be July 18, 2025 at 11 am at Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5050 Porter Road, North Olmsted Ohio.  A lunch reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the LCCC Foundation, 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 or Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Hugh Carney, please visit our floral store.