James Carney

James Welmont Carney, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and prayers of his family on Saturday February 23, 2013, at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center. He was born in Chicago, the son of Dr. Paul and Elenore (Hodges) Carney. James graduated from DeKalb High School with the class of 1956. After graduating high school, James attended the University of Notre Dame where he obtained a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts. He later earned a Masters in Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa. In April 2009 he married Audrey Hardt. James was a lifelong artist. He shared his love for art with many students over the years while working as a professor for Northern Illinois University for their Art Department. James is survived by his wife, Audrey Hardt; Four Children: Deirdre (Tom) Tarpey, Katie (Mark) Farris, Stuart Carney, and Jon Kerwin; Six Step Children: Linda, Angela, Colleen, Diane, Rita, and Marie; Several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; Brothers Dr. William (Diane) Carney and Stewart Fink; and One sister Susan (Donald) Mattoon. Special friends Liz Goeking, Peggy Doty, and Jeremy. Private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name to benefit the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District. Checks may be made to the "DeKalb County Forest Preserve District" and mailed in care the James Carney Memorial to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com. The family will like to extend a special Thank You! to DeKalb County Hospice, Kishwaukee Hospital, Evanston Hospital and Dr. Mark Talamonti.