James Bernard Carrigan, age 78, of Rabun Gap, passed away on March 5, 2022. Jim, as he was affectionately known, was born in Detroit, Mich., the son of the late Bernard Charles Carrigan and the late Loretta Mary Graves Carrigan.
Jim proudly served four years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as a nuclear power electric technician. Jim graduated from Florida Technical University (now known as the University of Central Florida) with a BSEE in Industrial Engineering. He went on to work for NASA, Kodak and the Harris Corporation. Two highlights of his career were being on a live feed in the command center during the infamous, “Houston, we have a problem,” as well as riding on top of the space shuttle while the trawler pulled it from the VAB to the launch pad.
Jim and his wife Anne moved from Melbourne, Fla., 17 years ago to their mountain dream home in Rabun Gap. Jim was a volunteer with CASA and the American Legion Food Distribution Program. Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Anne Carrigan, of Rabun Gap; two sons Michael Carrigan, Matthew Carrigan; four daughters, Erin Carrigan, Amy Carrigan, Jenny Martin, Krissy DiCandia; goddaughter, Ashley Miller; two sisters, Mary Longoria, Patrice Wind; eight grandchildren, Amanda Rose, Andy Morehouse, Christian Mazpule-Carrigan, Emily Meurer, Jack Meurer, Paul DiCandia, Cian Martin and Skylar Martin.
The family will hold a celebration of Jim’s life on Friday April 8, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Black Rock Mountain State Park.
The family asks that flowers be omitted and donations in memory of Jim, instead be made to either, Another Chance Rescue Rehab and Sanctuary 612 Connector Road Lakemont, GA 30552, American Legion Food Distribution 4 Electric Avenue Mountain City, Georgia, 30525, or the Place of Hope P.O. Box 933, Clayton, GA 30525 whose mission is to help foster families.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
March 17, 2022