James Lee Carroll, Jr.

Our beloved patriarch James Lee, known to friends as "JL" and to his grandkids as J’s, passed away on January 31, 2018, at the age of 79 after a sudden and unexpected illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years “Ilene Carroll” in December of 2017.

Born in in Clarks, and a native of Olla, James Lee attended Northwestern State University, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music, and then furthered his education with a Master’s degree and +30 in education from Northeast Louisiana.

James Lee started playing music at a very early age and began his music career while in college by leading a local jazz band in Natchitoches and interning in various La. high schools. His career continued as a music director at LaSalle High School in Olla, various high schools in the surrounding area, and the First Baptist Church Choir.

He is survived by younger brother Sam Carroll, children Trey Wesson, Steve Carroll, Cindy Carroll, Tim Wesson, and Jim Carroll.

He is also survived by grandchildren Alexis Carroll, Magen Roberson, Zac Wesson, Aaron Wesson, Meagan Boss, Kelly Townsend, RJ Townsend, Samantha Vercher, Drew Sciabarassi, Austin Carroll, Daniel Wesson, Stephanie Carroll, and great grandchildren Dakota Gary, Luke Roberson, Anna Grace Roberson, Elizabeth Roberson, Jonathan Roberson, and Carlee Vercher.

A Celebration of James Lee’s life will be held at 2 PM, on Friday, February 2nd, at the First Baptist Church of Olla, 1101 Elm Street, with Reverend Gregg Dunn officiating. A viewing will be held from 12-1:45PM. Immediately following the celebration services a procession to the Olla Cemetery for the interment services will be held. He will be buried next to his first wife “Montrecia Yvonne Carroll” who precedes him in her death in 1978.

Pallbearers for the services are Drew Sciabarassi, Daniel Wesson, Austin Carroll, David Vercher, Joel Simms, and Craig Parham. Services are under the direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

In lieu of flowers, cards, or other donations please consider a memorial donation in memory of James Lee to the “LaSalle Band Boosters, P.O. Box 110, Olla, La. 71465”.