James was born June 3, 1939, in China Grove, Texas, to Jerome Kirby and Alma Watson Carter. He married Cheryl Odell on June 25, 2005 in Kingston, Texas. He was a truck driver for 30 years. He was a faithful member and servant of the Kingston Methodist Church for many years. He enjoyed serving on the Celeste Volunteer Fire Department. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan and cheerleader at their sporting events and activities, where he once got ejected from a ballgame because he didn't agree with a call made against one of his precious granddaughters. Papaw loved his grandchildren! He enjoyed cruises, gambling, eating at Molina's and Glenda's, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed doing all of these things with Cheryl, his beautiful wife of 20 years. He enjoyed having breakfast and catching up on the latest gossip with friends at the Kwik Chek in Celeste. He enjoyed watching baseball games on tv and rooting for the Texas Rangers with Jessie Mae. He never left anyone without giving them a big hug and telling them that he loved them. He was a man with a big heart, and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Carter; children, Russell Carter and wife, Tammy, Kenneth Carter, Lisa Horton and husband, David, Curtis Carter and wife, Stacey, Cinnamon Malmgren, Tyler Malmgren; mother-in-law, Jessie Mae Odell; brothers-in-law, Ronald Odell and Jimmy Odell; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Adora Noelle Horton; brothers, Finland Carter, Quinlan Carter, Bobby Jack Carter; Beloved wife and loving mother to his children, Edna Ann Carter; and adopted son, Raymond Fulfer.
Pallbearers: Grandsons: Christopher Horton, Brandon Horton, Colton Smith and Trey Carter; Great Grandson, Brian Horton; Son-in-Love, Jason Minter; Grandsons-in-Love, Tanner Minter, Michael Sheets and Wade Sheets
Condolences(2)
wanda sutton
Mountain View, AR Saturday, March 14, 2026 Haven't seen you in years but remember you when I was little & got in touch with you several years ago, but at least you & your wife Cheryl answered my Christmas cards & pictures . let me know how you were. thank you . Sorry to here of your passing . Just received in the mail. prayers for all of his family. I remember his kindness & always like to see him & Enda. Thank you for Cheryl for making him a wonderful wife & so sorry to here of his passing. Remember all the wonderful memories you have shared with him & may it help you for the times ahead. He will always be with you in your hearts & think of him . Know he loved his loved ones. Wanda Wade Sutton.Katrina Mitchell
Celeste, TX Saturday, February 14, 2026 Mr. C was one of the best part of being raised in Celeste. He always had a big smile followed up with the biggest hug in the world. I will definitely miss our talks and His smiles and hugs. Prayers for the entire family and please know Mr. C will be greatly missed.