James Carter was born on November 10, 1950 in Coatopa Alabama (Sumter County) to the late Lois and Ethel Gene Carter. He was the eldest boy of 10 children. He accepted Christ in his life at an early age and along with his family were members of the Pine Top Baptist Church.

He relocated to Boston Massachusetts in 1972 at the age of 22 in pursuit of the opportunities Boston had to offer; one of which being education. At a very young age, it was instilled in him as well as his siblings the importance of having an education and strong work ethic. Shortly after moving to Boston, he started attending Boston State College (UMASS Boston), taking up a major in education and later double majoring in education and African American Studies with a minor in Philosophy. He began working in security at the Prudential Center. While attending Boston State College, he met the love of his life Linda Elder who was also an education major. They married on April 14, 1979 and from that union welcomed 4 children.

Upon graduating from college, he began his career in education as a social worker for ABCD Head Start (formerly St James Educational Center) where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in 2018. Not only was he in service for the children of Roxbury but he was a faithful servant of the Lord. He started attending and joined New Hope Baptist Church when he first moved to Boston where he served in various ministries including Ushers, Christian Education, Sunday school and Deacons (chairman of the Deacon Ministry). In 2019, he went on to join Southern Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon ministry.

James was committed to the Lord, his family and his passion for serving others. He was passionate about making a difference, connecting to others, learning, teaching and cooking. James lived a life that exemplified being a man of God, showing kindness, acting in selflessness, having integrity, being ambitious and making an impact

He was a natural leader and put his all into any role or challenge he took on. James loved his family and was devoted to making sure he was involved, active and present in every way. Whether it was taking his scout troop to wrestling matches as scout master or mentoring fathers through the Good Guys program every summer as well as participating in the basketball tournament.

He was truly a man of God; he was honest, loyal, faithful, committed, consistent, kind, gentle, humble, steadfast, obedient, patient and authentic. He always listened and he truly cared!

After his retirement, James enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories about the good ol days, creating memories with his grandchildren, cooking, travelling and attending church weekly.

James departed this earthly life to take his eternal rest on Tuesday January 7, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters: Mary and Geneva and his brother Pratt.

James leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 45 years: (Linda), his 4 children: (Yohance, Chekesha, James Jr and Macadia), his grandchildren: (Jailand, Kayelle, Myles and Ilunga "Carter"), two sisters: Nellie, Leatha, four brothers: Joseph and his wife (Jennifer), Jerry, Willie, and David. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, extended family, colleagues and church family.