James A. Carter, Sr.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 James A. Carter, Sr. departed this life for his promised home in Glory. God whispered Its time to come home my good and faithful servant. He then became absent from the body to be present with the Lord in the early morning hours on August 29, 2023, in the arms of his beloved “Sweetheart” Kimberly Carter and daughter Tamika Carter. James, affectionately known as “Pooh” was born to the late James Lewis and Lula Mae Carter in Baltimore, MD on February 27, 1954. He was the youngest of six children. As a child James was educated in the Baltimore city school system. He was a very hardworking man, employed by Seton Hill Manor (later Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center). James held many positions; environmental services, maintenance technician, supervisor of maintenance, and retired as director of maintenance with 42 years of service and dedication. His impeccable character and outstanding work ethic made his success inevitable. It showed as he was honored with a retirement party by the former Mayor Sheila Dixon. James met Kimberly Briscoe the love of his life and soulmate of 31 years at Ravenwood nursing center in June of 1992. After an old-fashioned courtship and proposal, they were married on August 15, 1996. They were beyond inseparable. This was the makings of “An Eternal Love”. They lived the example of marriage vows “in sickness & health”, till death do us part” and “for better or worse”. Over the years their love grew and grew. James was the epitome of a true husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A hardworking, loving, family man whose family was everything to him and always put first. He had a loving sweet spirit with an infectious smile that touched everyone he came in contact with. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” … (Matthew 5:9, NIV). This was James, he always wanted peace and unity with everyone. Even when people were not worthy, James always saw the best in them. Going out of his way to help others was second nature to him. A man of many interests and hobbies, such as collecting coins, watching action and Sci Fi, comedy shows, and Steve Harvey. Thanks to his love of sports, he truly enjoyed his favorite home team: The Baltimore Ravens. If spoke about the Ravens, make yourself comfortable because you were in for a play-by-play analysis. In his leisure time James enjoyed playing basketball and coaching the kids in various sports. James’ favorite gospel songs are “Worth” by Anthony Brown and “God Is”. He regularly sang these for various occasions. He took great pleasure in singing, listening and relaxing to Gospel, R&B and “Oldies but Goodies” music. He loved to dance and spend time with family. Over the years he really grew fond of playing his crossword scratch off lotto’s and going up to Maryland Live with his cousin, the late Leonard C. Greene, Jr. However, praising God, reminiscing with family and friends along with traveling was at the top of his list. James accepted Christ and was baptized in his early 20’s. He joined St. Stephens A.M.E church along with his wife and daughter in March 2014, under the leadership of The Rev. Dr. William A. Gray, III, Pastor and the late Rev. Candace D. Gray, 1st Lady. Combining his Love of the Lord and singing, he joined the Morning Joy Choir and the Marriage Ministry. He really loved singing and sharing his testimonies. In June of 2018, James and his family joined Victorious Living Faith Ministries “Not Your Traditional Church” under the leadership of The Rev. Phillip A. Miller Sr., Pastor and 1st lady The Rev. Jacqueline B. Miller. They are a foundational family, having been one of the first families to step out on faith and join a new ministry. James was very active in church activities including Victorious Men of Faith men’s choir, the marriage ministry and he helped with security always making sure the ladies were dry and safe getting to their vehicles. He was very passionate about preparing the sanctuary in a timely manner for Sunday morning worship. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Lewis and Lula Mae Carter, his son Joseph Adams, Stepmother Catherine Smith, Stepfathers Reuben Carter, and John Kellum Sr. Brothers: Ernest Carter, Leroy Carter, Stanley Carter, and Michael Lewis Sr., Sisters: Olivia Frederick, Leafer Washington, and Sheila Lewis. Sister-in-law: Cheryl Lewis and God brother Maurice Cook (Eggy). James leaves to cherish his memory and legacy: His loving devoted wife: Kimberly Carter, Mother-in-laws: Lorraine Kellum and Earline Briscoe. Father-in-law: Herman Briscoe. His children: James Carter Jr, Robert Johnson, and Tamika Carter. Daughter-in-law: Tecla Carter, and Daughter-in-love Nicole Roberts. Grandchildren: Taleya, Keyshawn, Tamir, Khalil, Nah’la, Cali, Janiyah, Jeremiah, and Jalaya. Brother-in-laws: Leonard Washington Jr., John Kellum Jr., Darrell Ferrell, and Bishop Timothy Sherfield. Sister-in-laws: Rose Carter, Kelly Ferrell, and Evangelist LaJuanda Sherfield. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Tributes

James A. Carter, Sr.

February 27, 1954 - August 29, 2023