James William Carter

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Marie Carter; his father, James John Carter; his stepmother, Vivian Wolfe Carter; his brother, Richard Douglas Carter; and his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Mary Louise Tompkins Carter, who passed just three weeks before him.

He is survived by his children, Kevin Lee Carter, Darrin Keith Carter, and Christine Marie Vissia; his grandchildren, Chris Settle, Matthew L. Carter, Moriah Mary-Ruth Nagelmiller (Eric), Caleb James Vissia, Timothy Royce Vissia, Michael Luke Carter (Stephanie), and David Benjamin Andrew Carter; and his great-granddaughter, Hensley Settle.

Jim was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 1938. Because his family moved frequently during his childhood, he attended the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. He graduated in 1957 as Battalion Adjutant Captain and ranked second in his class. Following graduation, Jim attended the University of Kansas City and Kansas City Business College. He went on to build a successful career with Honeywell, where he served as Food Service Manager for 35 years, overseeing operations that fed thousands of employees each day.

On July 28, 1962, Jim married the love of his life, Mary. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, service, and adventure. Jim was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching youth sports and volunteering extensively in Scouting.

His commitment to the Boy Scouts of America spanned decades and touched countless young lives. He served in numerous leadership roles, including Scoutmaster and Thunderbird District Commissioner. Alongside Mary, he helped organize and lead a German-American Scout exchange program for 15 years, fostering international friendships and cultural understanding. Through these efforts, he became a member of the Bund der Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen of Neustadt bei Coburg, Germany. Jim and his wife Mary also offered a Boy Scouts aviation merit badge for the Heart of America Council during the 70s. In recognition of his exceptional service to Scouting, Jim received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and was honored as a Sachem in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

A talented musician, Jim enjoyed playing stand-up bass in local bands throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Music remained a lifelong passion, and he spent many happy hours playing the organ. Another lifelong interest was aviation. Jim earned his pilot's license at a young age and shared many memorable flying adventures with Mary in their beloved airplane, Snoopy.

Retirement at age 55 opened the door to many of Jim's favorite pursuits, particularly fishing and golf. He became an integral part of the Shamrock Hills Golf Course community, volunteering for more than 30 years in a variety of leadership roles. He coordinated the marshal program, consulted on course operations, assisted with snack bar management, and helped establish accounting systems that supported the course's success. Jim also coordinated the SEJC Senior League for 11 years and continued to serve as President Emeritus for several years thereafter.

Jim will be remembered for his leadership, generosity, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Whether mentoring Scouts, volunteering at the golf course, playing music, or sharing adventures with Mary, he lived a life defined by purpose, kindness, and a genuine desire to help others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he influenced and the family he cherished.

A Celebration of Life honoring both Jim and Mary Carter will be held at 6:30 pm on July 20, 2026, at the Raytown Wellness Center, 10301 E. State Route 350, Raytown, Missouri.