J.B “Coach” Carroll of College Station, Texas passed away January 24th at the age of 86.
J.B. was born and raised in the College Station area, attending both A&M Consolidated High school and Texas A&M University. After graduating from Consolidated, J.B. continued his athletic career at Texas A&M and simultaneously served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. He initially played numerous sports, including football and track, but he excelled on the baseball field. Although he was only 5’6’’ in stature, he stood much taller. He was an integral part of the Coach Chandler era, seeing success in baseball as Southwest Conference Champions and personally, as a Southwest Conference All-Star. His efforts were rewarded, and was asked to remain at Texas A&M as the pitching coach. His path then led him south to Brazosport High School and in the three years spent as the baseball team’s head coach, he accumulated two state championships.
His career may have changed, but his unwavering desire to be successful remained constant. He joined State Farm Insurance and worked as an independent agent until he retired and moved home to the College Station area.
Regardless of his occupation or profession, J.B. remained a coach, mentor, and role model to all those he encountered. Whether it be as a Sunday school teacher, a boy’s group leader at church, or a pitching coach on the mound, he inspired all those that were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
In addition to being a coach and mentor, he was a disciple, father, and friend. His willingness to help others and his humility left others in awe. It’s no surprise that his most memorable hours were spent coaching with the Special Olympics.
J.B. is preceded in death by his mother, Emily Ruth Carroll; his father, Charles George Carroll; and his brother, George.
He is survived by his son, Jay; daughter, Amy; his brother, Jim; granddaughters, Cameron and Avery; great granddaughter Josie; and nieces, Amanda “Mandi” and Jennifer.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coach Blair Charities, a good friend and great cause! https://www.coachblaircharities.com/
Memorial services will be posted at a later date.
02-03-2023 11:50
Steve Stein
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Randy (Wrangler) White
The first year BHS won state in baseball, I was probably in the 4th or 5th grade. JB Carroll was a young coach out of TAMU and he had a lot of talent for the three years he was at BHS. The team was led by pitchers David Larson and Larry Volkening. My dad took us boys to the game at the old field in Freeport. Larson went onto play for TAMU and other members of the two teams were Earl Lindsey, Robert Reed, Dale Box, Roger Zwahr, Richard Rimato, Steve Burnett, David Pratt, Billy O;Barr, Alan Sumerford and a few others. Most of these players also played on the football and basketball teams. These were great sport years for the Exporters as they had one of the top high school baseball teams in the country. JB Carroll developed these young men into the greatest teams of all times at BHS. Alan Sumerford went on to play college football as a quarterback at the University of Houston and Steve Burnett expired during the Vietnam War. Great players along with great memories.
Shelley Gray (McCOY)
My brother, Tom Gray, was the catcher for the team that went to, and won, the State Championship under Coach Carroll's leadership. As Randy mentioned in his post, we were fairly young, but my family went to Austin to support the Exporters! Tom was also the team captain, and that win meant so much to my family. Very exciting!!!
Randy (Wrangler) White
Wow. I never knew that. Tom has never mentioned this to me.John Walker (Walker)
JB was an outstanding baseball coach and a better human being. I didn't know him well but my father "Flash" was his assistant for a number of years and worshiped him! I am sure that I attended most games and didn't miss the state championship games! What fun!
I remember JB's infectious smile, high energy and outgoing personality. His family, friends, fellow coaches and former players were blessed to have known him. Rest in peace JB!