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JAMES WALLACE CARPENTER was born on October 08, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To the late Dennard J. Hudson and Julian Carpenter. He departed this life on March 30, 2023, at Franklin Square Hospital. James attended the public high school in Philadelphia until the age of seventeen and joined the Navy. He stated he was very persistent until someone looked the other way for him to join. He was asked to go home to wait for his birthday and come back when he was of legal age. James then joined the Airforce serving 23 years. James loved the military lifestyle. He traveled extensively while in the military and took advantage of many opportunities. He was an Independent Duty Technician, Base in various Hospitals from May 1962 through 1972 such as Washington, D.C., Cold Bay, Alaska, North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Japan, Vietnam, Greenland, and England. 1969 James participated in the U.S. Army Special Forces Advance Medical School. 1974 “AN AIR FORCE FIRST – TSgt. James W. Carpenter a medical technician with the 779th Airlift Squadron proudly accepts his diploma as the first individual and African American man in the Air Force to graduate from the SPECIAL FORCES ADVANCED MEDICAL SCHOOL at Fort Bragg.” Starting his career as a Physician Assistant and received his B.S. Degree at the University of Nebraska college of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska; working in Cheyenne, WY., Philadelphia, PA., Baltimore, MD. After 23 years of military service James retired and wanted to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a medical doctor. 1988 James entered medical school at the World University, School of Medicine, Dominican Republic returning to the U.S. as a Medical Doctor. He worked at the V.A. Hospital for 25 years before retiring. James loved family, friends, and the time he spent socializing. Always encouraging the young children to be their best and think of careers that would allow them to grow. He volunteered with the Navy Sea Cadet Corp for 5 years always encouraging the young to think about the Navy after high school. Later he volunteered with the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) for 5 years until he retired from all things military. On May 24, 2000, James and Patricia married in Laurel, MD. and they enjoyed traveling the world until his illness prevented further travel. He was a member of the St. Stephens A.M.E. Church in Essex, MD. James was survived by his wife Patricia, two daughters – Kimberly Newkirk, Veronika Carpenter, three stepchildren – Tara, Stacey and Patrice and grandad to seven young adults. He has two brothers – Marvin and Curtis Carpenter and sister -Anita Cower. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews, in-laws, relatives, and friends.

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James Wallace Carpenter

October 8, 1935 - March 30, 2023