James "Jim" Carpenter

James "Jim" Carpenter, age 76, of Meridian, Texas, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016 in Temple, Texas.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Meridian, with Rev. Kevin Wilson officiating. A visitation was held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Monday evening, February 8, 2016 at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian. Interment was in the Meridian Memorial Cemetery on SH# 144 in Meridian. Pallbearers were Logan Carpenter, Jarett Carpenter, Bradley Roberts, Dax Gann, Kyle Carpenter, and Dakota Ivey.

James was born March 17, 1939, in Camden, Michigan to James McKinley Carpenter and Wilhelmina Mann Carpenter, and grew up in Montgomery, Michigan. He was raised on a farm and farmed with the family. At age 18, Jim was drafted into the Army and served two years. He met Anna Bell Conrad while stationed at Fort Hood in Texas and they became sweethearts. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim returned home to Michigan to continue farming. He sent Anna Bell a train ticket to come to Michigan. On May 1, 1964 Jim and Anna Bell were united in marriage in Hillsdale, Michigan. Jim began working in a factory and through the years three children were added to the family, Jimmy, Debbie, and David. In 1976 the Carpenters returned to Texas. They attended church at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clifton. Mr. Carpenter worked for Brown and Root Construction Company while they were contracted to build Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant near Glen Rose. He was also employed by the Meridian ISD, as Head of Maintenance, the Radde Ranch, Leonard Radde, and Triple J Ranch. Jim loved to garden and canned many fresh vegetables, which he shared with family and friends. He loved woodworking and building, and could make almost anything...furniture, holiday decorations, and many beautiful crosses. He and Anna Bell loved attending their children's sporting events and activities and spending time with their grandchildren. Mr. Carpenter was a member of the Meridian First United Methodist Church and he and Anna Bell were actively involved in church activities until his and Anna Bell's health restricted their involvement. During his wife's extended illness, Jim faithfully cared for her until her death on May 6, 2014.

Mr. Carpenter is survived by his children: Jimmy Carpenter and wife, Shelly, of Meridian, Debra Roberts of West, David Carpenter of Bell; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister: Caroline Dailey of Michigan; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawsonfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements were handled by Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.