James Elisha Carter, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Sylacauga, Alabama - James Elisha Carter, Jr. was born on February 24, 1949, in Talladega County, Alabama, to the late James Elisha Carter, Sr. and Florine Crumpler Carter. He peacefully departed this walk of life on August 11, 2025, in Coosa County, Alabama.

James received his education at Phyllis Wheatley High School in Childersburg, Alabama. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a devoted member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sylacauga, Alabama.

Throughout his working years, James was employed with Avondale Mills, Georgia Pacific, and Madix of Goodwater. After retirement, he continued to keep himself busy by working with Delta Security and Domino’s Pizza in Sylacauga.

James was known as a kind-hearted man who never met a stranger. He was always willing to help others, often described as the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He loved gardening and joyfully shared the fruits of his labor with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. James enjoyed staying active, finding projects to work on, and spending time at the recreation center playing bingo and fellowshipping with others. His warm spirit and giving nature will be deeply missed.

On April 4, 1970, James united in holy matrimony with Ms. Lela McElrath, and together they shared 55 beautiful years of love and devotion until her passing.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents; his wife, Lela Carter; his father-in-law, Milton McElrath; mother-in-law, Janie McElrath; brother, Dwight Carter; sister, Janice Crayton; brothers-in-law, Ishmon, James, Winston, Henry Gene, Bobby, and Terry McElrath; and sisters-in-law, Linda Patrick and Mary Davis.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving children, Stacey (Bridget) Carter, Valencia (Shannon Cook) Carter, Spencer (Kimberly) Carter, and Santana (Carolyn) Carter; his devoted siblings, Harold “Craig” Carter, Erskine “Earl” Carter, Alton “Brent” Carter, and Vanessa Carter; his in-laws, John Milton (Betty) McElrath, Edward (Angie) McElrath, Marvin McElrath, Willie McElrath, Ray (Lavenia) McElrath, Evelyn Burns, Peggy Gilder, Helen Townsend, and Brenda McElrath; grandchildren, Tiffany, Demarcus, Darius, Chordarious “Trey,” Micaiah, Malik, Maliyah, Jayla, Cameron, Jamya, Javien, Caiden, Caleb, Spencer, Jr., and Raina; great-grandchildren, Jazyiah, Mariah, and Prince; a bonus son, Myric Carter; special friends, Timothy Kid “Jim,” Donnie “Jack” Spidell, and Domonick “Cyde” McGregor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

James lived a life filled with love, service, and faith. Though he has departed this earthly life, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

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