James was the second child of Admiral Dewey Carpenter and Mona Ona Gamble; they had four daughters and three sons. He met the love of his life, Juanita Joy Howard in Lamesa, Texas. James joined the United States Navy SeaBees in November, 1947.
When his first tour of duty ended, he came home to Lamesa, Texas. On April 15, 1950, he married Juanita. He worked for the United States Postal service until he was recalled in May, 1952. He was a Korean War veteran. He served in the Philippines and Quadulan in the Pacific Rim. Upon returning to Texas, he worked for The Texas Highway Department and Haliburton Oil. He pursued a career as a Diesel Mechanic and retired from Bruckner’s in Lubbock, Texas. Not one to stay still, he worked for other companies which included driving trucks.
He loved playing softball at Mackenzie Park and bowling at Fiesta Bowl. Fishing and traveling were also a favorite past time.
James was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joyce and Patricia; a great grandson, Joshua and a great-great granddaughter, Promise Johnson.
James is survived by his wife, Juanita Joy Carpenter; daughters: Louise Plank and husband Jeff of Lubbock, Texas, Teresa Short and husband Bruce of Lubbock, Texas and Marsha Rice and husband Lee of Lubbock, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on April 2, 2021 at 9:00am., followed by James Carpenter, Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel. Livestream will be available on Resthaven’s Facebook.
Interment will follow at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park. Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
The family would like to express our appreciation to the staff of Beyond Faith Hospice for their care and love for James during the last year and also to the staff of Promiseland Assisted Living for their care and love during the last 2 weeks.
