Jim Carter

(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

James “Jim” Charles Carter, age 64 of El Dorado Springs, passed away October 23, 2024 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born July 9,1960 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Charles Richard Carter and Nellie June Gray. When he was five years old the family moved from their home in Liberty to Schell City where Jim started kindergarten that same year. He graduated from Schell City High School with the Class of 1979. During his high school years, he worked for Bobby Lyness hauling hay – a job he was very proud of and enjoyed. That was his first real job.

Throughout his working life, Jim worked as an Orderly at Nevada Regional Medical Center where he made many friends and picked up extra work detailing cars for the physicians. He also assisted in maintenance at the hospital where he worked from 1979 to 1985. 

In mid-1985 he began employment at Heartland Hospital working directly with the inpatient youth. It was during this time and through the years that he also worked as a personal attendant for many families in need in the area. He was known for his many acts of kindness to so many. He moved to El Dorado Springs in the late 1980’s but always kept close ties to Schell City where he could be seen cruising the area roads often. In 1994 he left Heartland for O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar where he operated as a Production Worker until the closing of that business in September 2007. He loved the woodworking industry and thrived in that environment. In October 2007 he changed employment to Southwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center in El Dorado Springs working as a Patient Assistant until June 2014. He then worked for Compass Health from August 2018 through January 2019, leaving due to health concerns.

Aside from his work life, Jim enjoyed old cars and motorcycles and collected them as his wallet would allow. He loved to visit with friends and could “talk your leg off”. But most important in his life was his love of family. He always remained close to his sisters and brother, along with other family members even in the Kansas City area -but of special mention is Grandpa Gray at Gray’s garage. He was someone Jim always wanted to be around – to work with and always looked up to. They worked together in everything they did. Memories that lasted Jim’s entire life. 

He was also close to Polk and LaVerene Starkey – hauling hay for them and helping them in their later years and assisted LaVerene even after Polk’s passing and until her death.

Survivors include his two sisters – Michelle Gray of Joplin; Sheila Brackenridge and husband Archie of El Dorado Springs and his brother Bob Carter also of El Dorado Springs; nieces, Harmony Highley, Andrea Scott, Lisa Brackenridge and nephew Adam Brackenridge; great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of many friends.