James Leroy Carter

NEPHI, UT—Jim (James) Leroy Carter, 80, at the home of his son, and under the watchful care of his loved ones, passed away December 10, 2023.

Jim was born in Provo, Utah, to Roy and Mildred Shirley (Fullmer) Carter, while his dad was in bootcamp, having been drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was the oldest of four siblings, having two brothers and one sister.

On April 23, 1965, Jim married Glenna Dee Grandy in Lindon, UT. They had two children. On February 20, 1982, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo LDS Temple.

During his life time, Jim served active duty in the United States Army. He also worked at Powder River; Mountain States Steel; Utah Army National Guard; and retired from civil service at Tooele Army North Depot. He retired a second time from Auto Zone where he gained a second family that grew to know (and love) him as "Grandpa." He "adopted" many into his heart and considered them his "kids and grandchildren" besides his own, which he cherished deeply.

While at Tooele Army Depot, Jim became shop steward for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, Local 2261. It didn't take long before he was moved into a vice president role then elected President of Local 2261. He reported that being president of the labor union wasn't for "nice" guys and he had the right temperament for it.

He had a strong work ethic which started when he was young. He taught and passed that work ethic on to others; taking those he found potential in, under his wing, and encouraging self-worth, discipline, and growth.

Jim had a deep love and appreciation of the great outdoors, family, and friends. Fishing was a passion. In his later years he immensely enjoyed fishing with his life-long friend, and others, spending hours catching thousands of trout and releasing those that didn't make the cut. Their motto, "What happens on the boat, stays on the boat."

He passed the love and priority of "Family first" to his children, giving life lessons on survival; passing on family skills of archery, camping, fishing, and hunting. We took that love and knowledge and passed it on to our own children and grandchildren.

Jim had many hobbies throughout the years ranging from personal auto mechanics, leather works, hand-made nets for fishing, and hammocks for relaxing in during archery hunt; playing harmonica and guitar around the campfire, and reading. He loved books and read everything he could get his hands on. He especially liked reading about and understanding WWII. History of the United States was very important to him. When it came to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his study was just as thorough, "If you're going to do something, do it right; or don't do it at all."

Another of Jim's loves was Labrador Retrievers. Dogs were always a big part of daily life and keeping food on the table (hunting partners with Dad and my brother). They were considered four-legged family members.

He was very patriotic and believed strongly in the 2nd ammendment. Guns and gun safety were taught when we were big enough to understand and hold a gun.

He is survived by daughter, DeAnn (Jeff) Rappleye; son, James (Shawnna) Carter; 5 grandchildren: Jamie Johnson, Christine Poole, Curt (Kelly) Houghton, Rachel Francks-Houghton, Danielle Stiglitch; 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. It was his expressed desire that they each understand how deeply he loved them, all. He would refer to them as his treasures.

He's also survived by his sister, Cindy Carter, AZ.

Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Glenna; his parents; two brothers, a grandson, niece, and grand-nephew.

Dad never wanted a funeral or viewing. It was his wish to be cremated and his ashes spread together with Mom's over a favorite camping area where they will unite on their next adventure together. We ask you to remember him full of life and with warm thoughts. We honor his wishes.

Thank you for your love and support through this difficult time.

We would also like to give thanks to the Central Valley Medical Center; Dr. Rosenbeck; and the Nephi Hospice workers: Angela Roundy, and Teresa Hooper for the gentle care they gave during the final stages in his life.