James Carter

James E. "Jim" Carter, 86, of Choteau, Montana, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Hoxie, Kansas, to Oral Clinton and Myrtle Jane Carter. In 1957, at the age of 19, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as an Airman Basic for four years, finishing his service at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana.

Shortly after leaving the military, Jim met the love of his life, Faye. True to his spontaneous and romantic nature, they married just six weeks later. Together, they raised four children who were the pride and joy of his life. Jim was a devoted family man who never missed an opportunity to show his love and support.

Jim was a hard worker who never sat still for long. He spent much of his working life behind the wheel, driving for various concrete and construction companies and hauling concrete or asphalt to area job sites. His latest and longest stretch of employment was with United Materials in Great Falls, where he became a familiar face and eventually retired. With his engineer's mind and practical ingenuity, he could fix just about anything.

Yet when the work was done, he was always ready for fun. He loved camping under the stars, casting a fishing line at the lake, hunting in the Montana backcountry, or lending a hand on any project a friend had going. Jim lived life to the fullest and made sure those around him did too.

He will forever be remembered for his playful spirit and love of laughter. One legendary Carter family

memory is the day a simple water fight in the backyard spiraled into a full-blown battle, with Jim

rambunctiously leading the charge, armed with hoses and buckets right through the house. It was the kind of joyful chaos that could only happen with Jim at the helm-turning an ordinary summer day into an unforgettable adventure.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Faye; three daughters, April Haseman, Janette Carter, and Sue Clark (and husband Lane), all of Choteau, Montana; and one son, Jim Carter Jr. of Creston, British Columbia, Canada. He also leaves behind a special former daughter-in-law, Gale Kiamas Carter, whom he always considered family. Jim is also survived by his sister, Orlene Duncanson of Garnett, Kansas; his brother, Robert Carter (and wife Bev) of Littleton, Colorado; and a big crew of grandkids and great-grandkids who adored their Grandpa Jim..

In accordance with Jim's wishes, no formal service will be held. Instead, the family plans to honor his memory with a celebration as big-hearted as he was-perhaps a summer barbecue by the lake where they can laugh, share stories, and scatter his ashes in the place he loved. It's exactly the kind of send-off Jim wanted: casual,full of love, and outdoors under the open sky.

Jim's life was a grand adventure filled with love, humor, and kindness. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him. Though his family will miss him dearly, they take comfort in the countless happy memories he left behind and the knowledge that his spirit-and his mischievous grin-will live on in each of them. His was a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com