Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster and The Board of Directors of Lake Junaluska Assembly cordially invite all residents and friends of Lake Junaluska Assembly to a reception honoring The Rev. Jimmy L. Carr on the occasion of his retirement Sunday afternoon, December 12, 2010, from three until 5 o'clock. The reception will be hosted in the International Room at the Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska, NC.
Carr's Lasting Legacy at Lake Junaluska
Since June 2000, Rev. Jimmy L. Carr has faithfully served as the Executive Director of Lake Junaluska. With a lasting legacy established because of his strong leadership, Carr recently announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of 2010.
“I will soon be in the eleventh year as Executive Director here at Lake Junaluska, and I feel that I have given the leadership I needed to give,” Carr said. “These years have been challenging and rewarding. Joy, my wife, and I have enjoyed our opportunities for ministry at this very special place. We both feel now is the time to begin to enjoy a new chapter in our lives.”
During his time as Executive Director, Carr has successfully spearheaded several major campaigns, including a fundraising campaign that collected $11 million dollars for improvements at Lake Junaluska, the establishment of a workplace discipleship program, and renovations of several lodging and meeting facilities around campus. As a result of Carr’s leadership, the Lake Junaluska staff has striven to provide a quality experience to all who visit Lake Junaluska.
Upon retirement, Jimmy and Joy Carr will divide their retirement between Lake Junaluska and Brandon, Mississippi. Carr and his wife plan to enjoy spending more time with their children and grandchildren upon retirement.
“I believe that the best days for Lake Junaluska are ahead. We have dealt with many transitional issues and have implemented many good ministry and business practices that will carry us into the future,” said Jimmy L. Carr.
Bishop Larry Goodpaster, the President of the Lake Junaluska Board, and the Executive Committee are in the process of searching for the right person to fill the position.
“We will move forward,” said Bishop Goodpaster. “Transitions are never easy, but being at a strong place like we are now will make it easier. We have assembled a great group of people at Lake Junaluska. Over the next few weeks we will name a search committee. My challenge to them will be to bring us a name for the new Executive Director at the October Board Meeting. Furthermore, we hope that by January 2011, we will have a new Executive Director in place.”
Rev. Carr is an ordained Deacon in The United Methodist Church. A native of Forest, MS he was educated at Forest schools, the university of Southern Mississippi and Scarritt College, Nashville, TN where he was awarded the Masters of Arts degree in Christian Education. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Rust College since 1995 and chairs the Student Affairs Committee. He also serves as a member of the Executive Committee.
Prior to his appointment to the Southeastern Jurisdiction position, Carr served as associate general secretary, section of Deacon and Diaconal Ministries with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. He was instrumental in the development of the Order of Deacon having participated in the study of ministry for two quadrennia on behalf of the general church prior to serving in that appointment. From 1986-1988, Rev. Carr also served on the committee that began the process for establishing Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.
In 2003, Rev. Carr was awarded a Doctor of Humanities from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS where he served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1995 – 2003 and Chaired the Student Affairs Committee. Rust College is one of the 13 historic African-American United Methodist colleges within the United States.
Rev. Carr served appointments in Pascagoula, Meridian and Jackson as a member of the Mississippi Conference. His commitment to The Church has led him to serve in many conference and district positions throughout his career. In addition he has been active in the life of the communities in which he lived. He served as a governor appointee on the board of Supervisors of Rankin County, MS and as chair of the Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee.
“It has been a real joy being at Lake Junaluska. I especially appreciate the support of my co-workers, The United Methodist Church, and the local community,” said Carr.