James Lee Carter Jr.'s Obituary
James Lee Carter, Jr., 87, passed away January 9, 2016. He was born November 19, 1928 in Walnut Creek, California to the late James Lee Carter Sr. and Ora (Lilly) Carter. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Jenny Lee Carter; and sister, Betty Graves.
James graduated from Fulton High School in Kentucky. While he was only 17, he joined the US Navy. Following his service in the Navy he attended the University of Kentucky and also joined the US Air Force Reserves and initiated as a brother of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. While there, he met and married his wife Wilma in August 1954. While working on his postgraduate master’s degree he taught engineering drawing to undergraduate students at UK. He graduated with a Masters in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Highway Design. After graduation, they moved to Tampa, Florida in 1955. He was employed by Pullara, Bowen, Watson and Company which eventually became Prime Design, Inc., an engineering and architectural design firm. Some notable achievements include designing the first high rise building in Tampa (Florida National Bank), the first Tampa Stadium and the Crosstown Expressway.
James was very active in and past president of the local chapter of Kiwanis Club. He was also Past Vice President and President of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Florida Engineering Society (FES). Jim joined FES in 1963 and was awarded the title of Engineering Fellow in 1981.
He was voted West Coast Engineer of the year in 1983 and also served as legislative committee liason and chair of the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers. Jim also served as the Chairman of the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority. He was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This honor is bestowed to ladies and gentlemen with strength of character, leadership and dedication to the welfare of others.
Jim was an avid golfer and long time member of the Temple Terrace Country Club. He also enjoyed fishing.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma; daughter, Dawn Carter (Scott Ross) of Truckee, California; son, Bart Carter (Nora) of Bonsall, California; grandchildren, Kalani and Brennan; cousin Charles (Ellen) Rice of South Fulton, Tennessee; John (Carol) Rice of Versailles, Kentucky.
There will be a small graveside service with military honors for family and close friends followed by a private reception for family and invited guests on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 N. US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, Florida 33592.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home at www.donatenow.networkforgood.org/allchildrenfirst. Memories and condolences may be left online at www.sunset-fh.com.
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