James Carpenter, of Stockbridge, MI, age 85, passed away at his home on February 12, 2021. He was born in Royalton, KY on February 5, 1936, the son of Ollie and Delma (Long) Carpenter.

He had lived in the Stockbridge area his entire life. Jim worked for the Department of Public Works for 15 years, and he owned his own excavating company, Jim Carpenter & Son Excavating, as well as a local archery business, J.C. Archery.

Jim enjoyed spending time out of doors, hunting and gardening, and spending time with his family. He also dabbled in oil painting and model airplanes. In addition, he served as a 4-H leader, and he loved the rodeo and training horses in his younger years.

On January 17, 1970, he married Mary K. Shackelford in Stockbridge, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are three children: Russell Carpenter of Florida, Sandra Fore of North Carolina, and Kerri (Jason) Allen of Stockbridge; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Lois Clark of Parma. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Michael Fore, sister and brother-in-law, Peggy (Danny) Smith, brother-in-law, Leonard Clark, and grandson, Christopher Fore.

A Graveside Service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, Stockbridge, 11:00 a.m. , on Friday, June 25, 2021. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Jim’s name may do so to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA). Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.