James Edward Carter
October 14, 1944 - November 13, 2016
James Edward Carter, 72, of Rockton, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved the most on November 13, 2016.
He was born on October 14, 1944, in Beloit, Wisconsin, son of John "Jack" and Madeline (Simpson) Carter. Jim graduated from Hononegah High School in 1963 and then served four years in the United States Air Force and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. James worked at the local DMV and then went to work at the Winnebago County Highway Department where he retired as the foreman in 1996 after working there for almost 25 years.
Jim married the love of his life, Patsy L. Clussman on August 12, 1967. They had two beautiful children, Tana and Ryan Carter. Tana and Ryan both married and their parent's lifelong dream of having four children was complete. Soon after their life-long dream came true, Pat passed away in June 1996.
Jim was able to find love again and married Sharon Laurent in April of 2000. She was by his side as he passed. Sharon has three boys, two daughter in laws and two grandchildren that loved him and proudly called him “Papa”. Jim had a love for camping, bon fires, playing cards, working in his yard and playing catch with his son and grandchildren. Jim also loved spending time with his friends and family and was always up to no good and quite the “jokester”. Jim loved the Oldies but Goodies, he constantly had a radio going whether it be in the car, garage, shed, bathroom or basement.
Jim is loved and missed by his wife Sharon, his four children, Tana and David Lee and Ryan and Andrea Carter. His five beautiful grandchildren, known to them as “Papa”; Justin, Joshua, and Jacob Lee and Nick and Mya Carter. Jim will also be missed by his brother-in-law, Charles Claytor, sister-in-law and brother- in-law, Nancy and Larry Margis, his nieces and nephews; Becky and Ken Kutska, Christy and Darin Dobzynski, Kathy Margis, Jen Fernandez, Karyn Margis and Kelley Margis-Gallick. Jim will also be missed by his many great-nieces and nephews. Jim is predeceased by his parents, his beautiful wife Pat and his sister, Patricia
Our family has been touched by the outpouring of love and support over the past few months. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have so many loving people in our lives. A special thank you to our dads dear friend, Mary Lou Harris for the endless hours that she spent by his side and all of the phone calls she made to keep friends updated; she has and will continue to be more of a family member than a friend
Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 18, 2016 in McCorkle Funeral Home-Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL with Pastor Wendell Maynard, Sr., of First Born Ministries, Loves Park, IL officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 -7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 17. Burial will be in Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, South Beloit, IL.
Memorials may be given to Northern IL Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108 or Charcot-Marie-Tooth Assoc., PO Box 105, Glenolden, PA 19036.