James L. "Jim" Carter

To view livestream click here:

(Livestream will start at approximately 10:20 a.m.)

James L. "Jim" Carter, 85, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

Born in Jonesboro, Jim was a 1953 graduate of Nettleton High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Following military service, Jim earned a Bachelor's degree from Arkansas State College.

Jim operated an insurance agency in Jonesboro for several years before entering the display, shelving and fixture industry developing retail stores. An early client that evolved into an enduring professional relationship as well as a personal friendship was Sam Walton who was in the beginning of the Wal-Mart expansion. Jim supplied and outfitted a great number of Wal-Mart stores throughout his career. Jim worked for two major manufacturers before venturing into his own company, Arkansas Display and Fixtures, Inc., which he operated many years. In addition to operating ADF, Jim founded Carter's Corner in Jonesboro and,  along with his family,  grew it into a major clothier and footwear retailer.

Jim was a member of Nettleton Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Trustee and taught the Jim Carter Sunday school class. Jim was a supporter of various church programs including Helping Hands ministry, Celebrate Recovery and foreign missions. Jim traveled on three mission trips to Kenya where the groups established churches, schools and water wells.

Jim was a long-time member of the Nettleton Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He made countless trips to the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis transporting patients and the families of patients. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Joan Carter; his parents: Adolph Carter and Inez Virginia Wise Carter Gilbert, and his stepfather and best friend, Travis Gilbert.

Survivors include his two daughters, Karen Carter and Sherry Carter, both of Jonesboro;

a sister-in-law, Jean Staggs of Jonesboro;

a granddaughter of the heart, Hwiyoon Kim of Jonesboro;

two nieces who were raised in the home, Teresa Rutherford Stepp of Alma and Renee Rutherford of Jonesboro;

a daughter of the heart, Katie McGowan and husband Clint of Bono;

several nephews and nieces, and several great nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Nettleton Baptist Church, 7001 E. Johnson in Jonesboro, with Rev. Stan Ballard and Rev. Ron Langston officiating. Visitation will precede the memorial service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Private burial will be in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Members of the Jim Carter Sunday school class will sit as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to Nettleton Baptist Church Building Fund or Helping Hands Ministry, POBox 2415, Jonesboro, AR 72402; or the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.