WILMINGTON — James Edison Carter Sr., 91, passed gently from his earthly life on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center.
He was born Jan. 9, 1925, in Wilmington, the son of the late Joseph A. and Alice Willetts Carter. Also preceding James in death was his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Lee Taylor Carter.
James is survived by his sons, James E. Carter Jr. (Marilyn) and Claude Allen Carter; grandchildren, Heather L. Carter-Young (Gene) and Jonathon O. Carter (Sabrina); five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Eli, Taylor, Peyton and Bradley; special family friends, Janice McKoy and Bethann Carter; and loving caregivers, Pat, Margaret, Ida and Alberta.
James, a native of Dry Pond community in Wilmington, joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and honorably served in the Asia-Pacific Theater until the end of World War II. An accomplished carpenter and builder, James started Carter Construction Company and built many houses that still stand in Wilmington today.
In 1974, he and Mary Lee “retired” to farming in Kelly, N.C., returning to live in Wilmington in 1989. James was a gentle, humble man who enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing, family reunions and working with his hands. James was very interested in the sciences and engineering and his mechanical skill was beyond compare. His smile, love for his family and his consideration for others will always be remembered.
A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 16550 N.C. Highway 53 in Kelly with the Rev. Billy Ray Pait Jr. officiating. A family luncheon will follow at Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Anyone who wishes to share a special memory or thoughts about James is encouraged to do so at the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
The family would like to thank caregivers and friends for their loving care of James, especially during the past five years.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com.