James Charles Carpenter, 79, passed away on December 10th, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. Jim was originally from Galesburg, MI. He served in the United States Air force from 1960 - 1964, having been stationed in numerous locations. His favorite of which being Hawai'i and Alaska; or at least those are the ones he spoke of most. Once out of the service he met his wife Vicki (Vargason) in Kalamazoo. They were blessed to have been married for 55 years.

Jim was a natural salesman. Striking up a conversation with anyone and everyone he met was a skill that came easily. Jim learned the tire game after leaving the service. Working for Firestone, Dunlop, and Kumho Tire. He had some entrepreneurial adventures in there as well, before retiring. Another mastered skill was fixing anything that needed to be fixed. Why hire someone when you can do it yourself. Changing breaks in the driveway, painting wall after countless wall, installing appliances, or flooring. He did it all and it usually turned out right. Jim was also a man of many stories. Some exaggerated or repeated, but always fun and told with great enthusiasm and expression.

Over the years Jim and Vicki lived in various Michigan cities, with a favorite being the lake in Ann Arbor where they developed lasting friendships and a love of playing cards. It was the late 70’s when Jim and Vicki had finally had enough of the cold and snowy Michigan winters and decided on a move to the sunny and hot weather of Phoenix, AZ. Eventually Fountain Hills, AZ would be home for the family until moving to Mesa, AZ in 2018. There are countless stories that have been shared of the adventures of growing up with his brothers and cousins on the farm, the close friends and neighbors at the lake, and “the bridge club”. Jim would have been proud to say that the bridge club met on the 3rd Saturday of every month, if not weekly on occasions, for nearly 30 years. Many memories that will forever be treasured.

Jim took great care of his family and friends with love and an unending willingness to help in any way he could. Jim is remembered and loved by his wife, Vicki, his daughters Cassandra Carpenter, Jennifer Kehoe (Chris), and two rambunctious grandsons Cooper and Tucker Kehoe; his brothers Don Carpenter (Joyce), Dave Carpenter (Margaret), and Philip Carpenter (Tracy); sister and brother in law’s Linda and Dave McKay, and Tim and Lori Vargason. Also remembered by many nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He greatly loved sharing a birthday with Cooper. Every year telling him "for every year you get older, I get younger." Jim is reunited with his parents Charles and Rosalie, in-laws Anthony and Ruth Vargason, and niece Laurie McKay.

Jim is dearly missed by his family and friends. He was a generous and caring soul that will be forever in our hearts. We love you! 

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