Jim Carroll, former CEO of Black Bros. Co. Mendota, Illinois, passed away February 23rd at his home. He was 88.

Born April 11, 1925 in Portage Wisconsin to John F. and Anena (Soisson) Carroll, he married Marjorie Black on June 27, 1946 in Mendota.

Carroll was a Naval Aircraft Carrier Fighter Pilot in World War II. In 1949, Carroll received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He held the position of President & CEO of Black Bros. Co. from 1957 to 1995.

Black Bros. is Mendota’s oldest family owned manufacturing firm which was founded in 1882. He remained involved in the company as Chairman of the Board up until the time of his death.

Carroll served as President of Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America from 1974-1976. In 1982, he was elected Chairman for the International Woodworking Machinery Show held in Louisville. At that time, it was the 5th largest trade show in the United States.

In 1984, Carroll was instrumental in resolving the differences between the American and foreign machinery manufacturers, which resulted in combining the Louisville Show and their Atlanta Show into one. In 1986, he received the prestigious Ralph B. Baldwin Award for Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the woodworking industry.

Carroll was deeply involved in the community throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed traveling, golf, reading, fishing, and spending time with his family on Swan Lake in Wisconsin.