James Oliver "Jim" Carter

James Oliver “Jim” Carter, 84, of Independence, Missouri passed away on March 20, 2020. Services will be held at a later date.

Jim was born in Tipton, Missouri on January 30, 1936. After graduation from Tipton High School, he attended the University of Missouri until being drafted into the US Army. Jim was stationed in Germany, where he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret Knipp in 1960. After returning home, he completed a degree in Engineering from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. He spent over 25 years employed as a Traffic Engineer for the City of Independence, retiring in 1997.

Jim enjoyed playing golf, vegetable gardening, woodworking and supporting his children in various sports including swim meets and coaching baseball. A die-hard sports fan, he could usually be found with his radio and headphones listening to the Royals, Chiefs and Mizzou Tigers. He was a handyman and took on most projects by himself and was always on call at his children’s houses as well. Jim never failed to be there for family and friends with his mischievous smile, laugh and occasional good-natured teasing of loved ones.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Nora “Lucile” (Hays) Carter. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Mary; daughter Christy Wright and husband Brian; daughter Carrie Vest and husband Kevin; son Todd Carter and wife Jennifer; brother Donald Carter and wife Jane; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson and many extended family members.