James Clyde Carver Jr.

James Clyde Carver Jr. , age 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Born in Dallas, Texas, on March 28, 1936, to parents Clyde and Mildred Carver, James grew up in Grandview, Texas in Johnson County.

His parents owned and operated a grocery store and the Carver Department Store (a dry goods store) for many years. As a young boy, he helped by delivering groceries to customers in town. An active and talented student, James played on the football, basketball and track teams at Grandview High School and served as the captain for the football team his senior year. James graduated as the Valedictorian of his class in 1954. That same year, he married the love of his life, Vera Keating Carver in Durant, Oklahoma.

Their 71-year marriage was a beautiful testament to enduring love and partnership. James pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering – all while working at Convair, which later become General Dynamics and eventually Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He dedicated an extraordinary 62 years to the aeronautics industry before retiring from Lockheed Martin, leaving a legacy of skill, dedication, and innovation.

Deeply committed to his faith and community, James was active in his church, Westcliff United Methodist Church, where he and his wife Vera taught First Grade Sunday School together for over 15 years. He then attended Arborlawn United Methodist Church after Westcliff UMC and Arborlawn UMC merged. He also poured his energy into youth sports, serving as head coach for his daughters’ Blue Raider Fastpitch Softball teams. He was also chosen to be the head coach for the tournament teams multiple times. In his personal time, James found great joy in transforming his backyard into a beautiful flowering oasis and showering affection on his beloved dogs.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mildred Carver.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Vera Carver; his daughters, Catherine Ritter and husband Antone Ritter of Weatherford, and Carolyn Smith and husband Dean Smith of Weatherford; and his grandson Antone Ritter Jr. of Weatherford. He will also be fondly remembered by extended family, friends, former colleagues, church family, and all whose lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and steady presence.

James lived a full, faithful life marked by hard work, family devotion, service, and quiet joy. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Visitation and reception will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth, located at 7100 Crowley Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76134, on March 5, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at Arborlawn United Methodist Church, 5001 Briarhaven Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76109, on March 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery, located at 8501 E FM 4, Grandview, TX 76050, on March 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.