In Loving Memory of James Mitchell Carter Sr.

James Mitchell Carter Sr., son of the late Joseph L. and Dorothy E. Goss Carter, was born of seventeen children, on March 9, 1939, in Hemingway, South Carolina.

As a young man growing up in the South, James and his siblings worked over three hundred acres of farmland that his parents owned. At an early age, James embraced learning and growing, beginning his education at Choppee Elementary in Hemingway.

At age 12, James was eager to get baptized, in Black River, at Walker Chapel Baptist Church.

At the age of fifteen, James decided to relocate to Cleveland, Ohio. Sharing this decision with his mom, he headed to Cleveland on a train with a sack filled with a piece of chicken and bread. Now joining his brother Cornelius and Aunt Mae, his dad’s sister.

Determined to continue his schooling, James attended Empire Elementary and Glenville High School.

It was at Empire Jr. High that he met his beloved wife, Margaret Ann Williamson. While in class, Margaret caught the attention of James by wiggling her ears, nose, and eyebrows, causing James to laugh and get in trouble.

James loved the trouble that Margaret brought, therefore, on June 25, 1960, they united in Holy Matrimony at Bethany Baptist Church. From this union Pandora Laverne, James Mitchell, and Pamela Michelle were born.

James was always a hardworking man whose career journey began humbly at S.W. Woolworth, earning just $1.10 an hour. James, now a family person, was always eager to increase his earning potential, which led to a position as a press operator and welder at Midland Ross. He also joined his wife, Margaret, with a career at Atlanta Life Insurance Company as a Debit Manager. In 1965, he began his long and dedicated career with Yellow Freight, where he worked for over 40 years, retiring as number one on the board with no accidents.

James carried his faith with him to Cleveland, where he became a devoted member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. He served as a Sunday School teacher and sought a deeper understanding of his faith, eventually finding a spiritual home at Southeast Seventh Day Adventist Church. There, he served in various roles, including deacon, head usher, Sabbath school teacher, and Food and Fellowship.

James’s community involvement extended beyond the church as well. He was a dutiful member of the Prince Hall Masons, becoming a 32nd degree Mason, a Knight Templar, and an Eastern Star.

James lived a life rich with love, faith, and dedication. He spent his days dancing with his Cori Bean, talking on the phone, catching the sun rays, and his weekly talks with Myron. On September 9, 2025, James departed this life and peacefully went to sleep, surrounded by loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret, his parents, and 13 brothers.

He leaves to cherish, children Pandora, James (Denys), Pamela (Anthony); Grandchildren Kwesi (Taria), Mekka, Karriem, Binta, Toni, Khamal, and Jamir; One special great-grandchild Cori; Nephew Thomas, 3 sisters Dortheal (Arthur), Alveria, Iris and 1 brother Mickey (Nenita) and a host of relatives and close friends.