Jimmy Gordon Carpenter

Born March 15, 1933 in Union County, North Carolina. Jim, as everyone knew him was an active community member, served in the church as a deacon for many years, was a devoted family man, outdoorsman, and hunter. He served his country as part of the 82nd Airborne as a Sergeant First Class Jump Master. During his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Sarah (Ethel) Watts Carpenter. They were married 68 happy years before she went to be with our Lord last year.

Jim was well known for 40 years for being a successful coon-hunter and enterprising breeder of Redbone Bloodhounds or Redbone Coonhounds. He was awarded Grand-night champion many times over, wrote for organizations such as Purina who sponsored Tarheel Redbone Kennels and AKC. Also, enjoyed decades of turkey and deer hunting.

He worked 33 years for AAA of the Carolinas and retired as the Director of ERS (Emergency Roadside Service) for both NC and SC. He went on to work for another 15 years locally for Joe Rogers Nationwide Insurance Agency.

Jim gives credit to his wife Ethel as being a "smart woman" because she taught him the meaning behind church service and how to hear God's message in it. Jim was a great friend, mentor, brother, uncle, husband, and dad. He protected, provided, and cared for his family with excellence. He has left a lasting impression with all who have known him and was a proud American patriot.

Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ethel Watts Carpenter and daughter, Vickie Lynn Carpenter Belk; granddaughter, Amanda Lynn Belk; his parents, Lois and AC Carpenter; brothers, Joe Carpenter, AC Carpenter, Jr., and Gene Carpenter; sister, Kay Carpenter Stegall; and sons-in-law, Michael Priebe and Richard Belk.

He is survived by his children, Katherine Priebe-Olivencia and Angela Carpenter Shell; grandchildren, Kyle Jacob Shell and Katlynn Amanda Shell; great-grandchildren, Emily Marie Pena, Damian Logan Tillman, and Jasmine Anya Shell; and step-grandchildren, Christopher, Mark, and Matthew Priebe.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 2518 Lancaster Highway, Monroe, NC. A funeral service to celebrate Jim's life will be held following the visitation at 1:15 pm with burial taking place immediately after the service at Waxhaw City Cemetery, located at 111 Arbor Drive, Waxhaw, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Monroe.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com for the Carpenter family. 

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Jimmy (Jim) Gordon Carpenter.