SFC (Ret) James Howard Carter Sr.

SFC (Ret) James Howard Carter, Sr., son of the late Martin Carter, Jr. and Mary (Pace) Carter, was born December 26, 1944 in Herndon, Kentucky where he grew up and graduated from high school. On September 29, 1965 in Nashville, Tennessee, James entered in the United States military. He served his country faithfully until his retirement on April 30, 1986 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During his time in the military, James served as a Marine as a combat engineer for 4 years before entering the Army. While in the Army, James was a Bridge Specialist (5 years), Firing Squad Leader (3 years), Instructor (3 years), and Training NCO (3 years). He did two tours in Vietnam and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marine Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal – 5th Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon 3d Level, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 3rd Award and Marksman Qualification Badge M16. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. On April 2, 1973, James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kil Sun Chang in Seoul, Korea. They shared the next 39 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: James Jr. and Angela. Due to James being in the military, he and the family moved several times throughout his career. They eventually settled in St. Robert after his retirement from Fort Leonard Wood and found a church home at Victory Fellowship Church where he served as an elder and taught Sunday School class for 23 years. James and Kil Sun were very active in the church and helped with any activity the church was involved in. James enjoyed being outdoors enjoying God’s creation. He especially loved using his John Deere tractor while being outdoors. There were two things that James loved more than anything in this world and that was the Lord and his family. He enjoyed spending time in God’s word and treasured the times he spent with his family. James went home to be with his Lord at 9:36 a.m., Monday, February 11, 2013 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 68 years, 1 month and 16 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. James leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Kil Sun Carter of the home; two children: SSgT James H. Carter, Jr. (Vanessa Rodriguez) of San Antonio, TX and Angela D. Carter of St. Robert, MO; one sister: Francis Saunders of Roanoke, VA; three grandchildren: Niko, Gavin and King Alexander; other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2013 in the Victory Fellowship Church of Waynesville with Pastor Frank Brunais officiating. Fred B. Sanders, friend of James, recalled his wonderful memories of James. James Harter, Jr., son of James, also spoke and gave a beautiful eulogy of his father. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Serving as honorary escorts were Joe Gross, Alan Schlie, Charles Pointer, Marilyn Kimball, Thomas Solomon, Agnes Crosby, In Suk Alford, Smith Cade and Greg Mitchell. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, along with SSgt James H. Carter, Jr., James’ son, presented the flag to his mother. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) James Howard Carter Sr.

December 26, 1944 - February 11, 2013