James Edison Carter, Sr., 91, of Wilmington passed gently from his earthly life on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center.

He was born January 9, 1925 in Wilmington, the son of the late Joseph A. and Alice Willetts Carter. Preceding James in death was his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Lee Taylor Carter. Aggie, James' constant canine companion, who brought so much joy to James for the past 16 years and was especially a blessing the past five years. Aggie died several weeks prior to James.

James is survived by his sons, James E. Carter, Jr. (Marilyn) and Claude Allen Carter; grandchildren, Heather L. Carter-Young (Gene) and Jonathon O. Carter (Sabrina); five great grandchildren, Wyatt, Eli, Taylor, Peyton, and Bradley; special family friends, Janice McKoy and Bethann Carter; and loving caregivers, Pat, Margaret, Ida and Alberta.

James, a native of Dry Pond community in Wilmington, joined the US Army in 1943 and served honorably in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until the end of WW II. An accomplished carpenter and builder, James took over Carter Construction Company from his father and built many houses in Wilmington that still stand today. In 1974 he and Mary Lee "retired" to farming in Kelly, NC, returning to live in Wilmington in 1989. James was a gentle, humble man who enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing, family reunions, and working with his hands. James was very interested in the sciences and engineering and his mechanical skill was beyond compare. His smile, love for his family and his consideration for others will always be remembered.

A graveside service will be 12 noon on Saturday, December 17, 2016 in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 16550 NC Hwy 53 in Kelly with The Rev. Billy Ray Pait, Jr. officiating. A family luncheon will follow in Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Anyone who wishes to share a special memory or thoughts about James is encouraged to do so at the luncheon.

The family would like to thank caregivers and friends for their loving care of James, especially during the past five years.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.