James Clark Carthon, Sr., affectionately known as “Jim”, “Mr. C” and “Uncle Carthon”; 82, of Savannah, GA transitioned from his earthly vessel to take his place into eternity on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.

BIRTH OF A LEGEND

James was born in Thomaston, GA, on May 29, 1940, to the late Geraldine and Johnny Lee Carthon. James was the 2nd of 11 children. He spent much of his early youth, living in the impoverished Miller Park community. Despite his humble surroundings, James’ family was close knit and found comfort in the presence of their hard working mother.

EDUCATION & ATHLETICS

James was a hardworking student who later became a skilled football player at Drake High School. After seeing his potential on and off the field, his coach eagerly encouraged him to use his football skills to assist him in pursuing a higher education. To help James’ better understand the impact that college might have on his future, the coach arranged a day trip to visit Savannah State College This would be a critical step that would transform the trajectory of James’ life and it created a ripple effect in his family.

SAVANNAH BOUND

At Savannah State College, James played football and took traditional classes while settling into his new city. He went on to join the school’s prestigious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in April of 1963. However, outside the classroom is where James would later find himself becoming an essential piece of his new community. His service through his fraternity fed into his passion for creating better opportunities for African Amercians. By the time James graduated in 1963, he had found his true passion which would lead him on a lifelong journey of improving the lives of his family members, the Black community & the business landscape of Savannah.

WHEN TWO BECOME ONE

In 1964, James married Miriam Collins. Miriam was ambitious, hard working and had an unconditional love for her family, which were qualities he looked for in a spouse.. They created a cozy home in Carver Village and then moved to Eleanor Street in Cloverdale. In 1978, they built their forever home on Bel Aire Drive. Throughout their journey, their home was always a “gateway” for family members that needed love, support and stability.

BUSINESS LEGACY

Together, James and Miriam began to create the foundation for their family legacy. First, establishing the Carthon Realty Company where he developed land, built housing, & supported the buying & selling of real estate for over 45 years. He expanded his business empire by opening CDC Package Shop, Jim’s Barbeque, Forest City Laundromat, and later Jim’s Beverage Center, all in the historic Carver Village community.

CIVIC & POLITICAL LEGACY

Over the decades, James continued to be a leader for change. He fought for fair and equal housing, employment, improvements in public transportation, fought for the rights for senior citizens and the disabled, for equal representation on business boards and was a strong advocate for the completion of Bowles C. Ford Park and the Kennedy Park recreation building. Additionally, he donated land to the City of Savannah that was used to build the Forest City Library in the Cloverdale community.

James became the the first Vice President of the local NAACP and served diligently on the Housing Authority of Savannah Board, The Chatham County Zoning Board of Appeals, as a Chairman of the Political Advisory Council, on the NAACP Board of Directors, on the Chatham -Savannah Metropolitan Planning Committee, on the Save the Charity Hospital Committee and was the Treasure of St. John Housing and Development board.

FAMILY LEGACY

In addition to pursuing his professional endeavors;James’ greatest role was being a father to his five children. He was a caring and supportive brother, uncle and friend to anyone needing guidance and unconditional support.

He is survived by…Children: Michelle Carthon (McDonough, GA), Johnathan Carthon (Chicago, IL), Iris Carthon (Savannah, GA) and Megan Carthon (New York, NY)

Grandchildren: Marquise Goldwire (Atlanta, GA), Dasia Hagins (McDonough, GA) and Tiye Carthon (McDonough, GA)

Siblings: Anne Green (Detroit, MI), Johnnie Mae Russel (Atlanta, GA), Mitchel Carthon (Albany, GA), Virginia Dixon (Savannah, GA), Angela Bedell (Thomaston, GA), Rita Smith, Paula Carthon (Thomaston, GA) and Paulette Carthon (Thomaston, GA)

And a host of nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

Preceded in death by: Wife Miriam Carthon, son James Carthon, Jr, parents Johnny Lee Carthon, Sr and Geraldine Carthon, siblings William Carthon, Johnny Lee Carthon, Jr. and Elosie Capers. 

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