James Raymond Carter

James (Jim) Carter, 86, of San Antonio, Florida (formerly of West Melbourne, Florida and Hanlontown, Iowa) passed away at home on May 18th, 2025. The family will be remembering Jim with a private celebration of life.

Jim was a lifelong educator, serving as school administrator at North Central Schools, Manly, Iowa, for over 40 years. He dedicated his life to students in many capacities, including coaching, teaching, and administration.

In high school Jim was active in athletics and was Defensive Captain for the undefeated Berrien Springs Shamrocks. He was also a pitcher and catcher for the Shamrocks.

After graduating high school Jim enlisted in the Marines and served for two years. When he returned from the Marines he attended Dakota Wesleyan on a football scholarship.

Jim was a master craftsman. He hand-built his home in Hanlontown, Iowa. Jim was a gifted woodworker and he built a Grandmother clock for a wedding gift for his wife Robyn. He also built cradles, rocking chairs and rocking horses for the grandchildren. Many of the items in Jim and Robyn’s home were handmade by Jim. He was also a great baker and cook. You could find him in the kitchen making his own special chocolate cake or onion rolls. At the holiday time he and Robyn would make lefsa with Jim rolling out the lefsa and Robyn tending the griddle.

Jim was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Green Bay Packers, and Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed a memorable trip to Lambau Field with his sons Jim Jr and Joe, as well as grandson Sam. While in Green Bay for the game he saw Bart Starr and his wife at the Packers museum. Jim enjoyed golfing and made two hole-in-ones.

Jim did extensive research on genealogy and he and Robyn traveled overseas to visit locations of family history, as well as other countries. They also loved to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia to visit friends.

Jim is survived by his soulmate, Robyn. Sons, Jim (Doreen) Carter, Jr. and Joe (Janelle) Carter. Stepdaughters, Natalie (Anneke) Moretz, Andrea Moretz, Stefanie (Crystal) Moretz. Grandchildren, Caroline Carter, Michael (Leah) Carter, Hanna (Chris) Clough, and Sam (Keri) Carter. Great-granddaughter Muriel Carter and great-grandson William Clough. His sister Dorothy Ward and brother Charles Carter survive him, along with many friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Alice Carter, and brothers Albert Carter and Jack Carter.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a charitable donation in Jim’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gulfside Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their support.