James "Jim" McCarter

He was the son of Thomas Avery McCarter and Emily Street McCarter. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Patricia H McCarter and brother, Norman P. McCarter.

He is survived by three sons: Steven T McCarter(Gwen), Bruce H McCarter, David C McCarter (Megan), six grandchildren: Thomas McCarter (Elizabeth), Lawson McCarter, Abigail McCarter, Patrick McCarter, Emily McCarter and Anderson McCarter, two great-grandchildren: Libby and Maggie McCarter and his beloved cat, Dusty II. He was affectionately known as DeeDah by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister Nelda Kay, brother-in-law Mike Kay, sister-in-law Gayle McCarter and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a native Greenvillian. He was born on his family’s farm which is now the location of Lake Forest Heights. His last residence was on the original farmland. He died on the land where he was born.

After graduating from Greenville High School in 1950, Jim went on to Clemson University where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering. While at Clemson, he was a member of the Pershing Rifles, Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. This time at Clemson greatly impacted Jim. He became a long time member of IPTAY serving as a representative for the Greenville area and as his alumni class president. He rarely missed a home football, basketball and baseball game, attending until the spring football game of 2025.

After graduation, he served in the Army obtaining the rank of captain.

His profession of engineering was very important to him. He served on several state and national boards. Serving on national boards gave him many opportunities to travel to various states. Patti often traveled with him, and he especially enjoyed it when he was able to include his whole family. He and Patti developed many lifelong friends from those organizations.

Jim was a principal of H2L Consulting Engineers and remained actively engaged in his work throughout his life, never truly retiring.

An emeritus member of both the Greenville Country Club and the Saint Andrews Society, he enjoyed the social aspects of each and interacting with people of all ages.

Jim was a devoted member of Augusta Road Baptist Church for 67 years. He was an elected deacon and faithfully served on numerous committees, contributing his time, leadership, and dedication to the life of the church community.

There will be a private burial at White Oak Baptist Cemetery. A memorial service is planned at 3:00pm on Friday April 3, 2026 at Augusta Road Baptist Church with visitation to follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Augusta Road Baptist Church, 1823 Augusta Road, Greenville, SC 29605, or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville SC.