James W. Carney, 96, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest Friday, January 2, 2025. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Folly Beach United Methodist Church, 118 W. Indian Avenue at 10:00 am. Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel.

James was born December 19, 1929, in Lawrence County, Mississippi, the son of Shelby Fairman Carney and Bonnie Cox Carney. He proudly served his country across three branches of the United States Armed Forces: as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army, a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, and a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military service, he continued serving others as a civilian HVAC technician at Charleston Air Force Base for 20 years. His strong work ethic, discipline, and integrity became the foundation for Carney & Son, a family-owned and operated heating and air company that has served the Charleston community since 1984.

A man of deep faith, James loved the Lord and was a longtime, devoted member of Folly Beach United Methodist Church. He believed deeply in giving back and living a life of service. James was a member of the Folly Beach Exchange Club, working alongside fellow members to support community projects, youth programs, and initiatives that strengthened and uplifted the local area. He also served as a firefighter with the Folly Beach Volunteer Fire Department, answering the call to protect and care for his community. James was a Mason of Masonic Mariner Lodge No. 2 and a member of the Shriners, living out their shared principles of compassion, service, and dedication to helping children and families in need. Through these organizations and his many acts of service, James quietly but consistently made a lasting impact on his community.

James was a loving husband to Shirley Mizell Carney for 55 years, until her passing in May of 2015. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Voncille Robinson, Jewel Carney, Bobby Carney, Lucille Tanksley, Martha Frances Cupstid, and Helen Phillips.

He is survived by his sons, Curtis F. Carney of Charleston, South Carolina, and Gregory Q. Carney and his wife, Carmen, of Harleyville, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Christopher Carney and his wife Patricia, Austin Carney, Brittney Carney, Courtney Carney, and Shelby Mae Carney; and three great-grandchildren, Cason Carney, Cooper Carney, and Cash Carney.

James will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, his faith, and his community - a life well lived and a legacy of service that will continue through the generations he leaves behind.

Memorials may be made to Folly Beach United Methodist Church 118 W. Indian Avenue Folly Beach, SC 2943.