James D. Carter, Sr.

James (Jimmy) D. Carter, Sr., 78, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2026, following a brief hospital stay. 

Born in Roswell, New Mexico, on May 4, 1948, Jimmy graduated from Roswell High School in 1966. Following graduation, he moved to Seattle, Washington, where he worked for Boeing until 1973. He then returned to Roswell and began a dedicated 53-year career in the sheet metal industry, starting as an apprentice with the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 49. In 1980, Jimmy relocated to Albuquerque, where he met the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Linda Carter. 

Jimmy lived life to the fullest and possessed a deep love for nature. He was an avid bowler who cherished traveling to the National Bowling Tournament with his team. He also enjoyed reading, hunting, gardening, watching hummingbirds, and fishing at Navajo Lake and Caballo Lake. A creative spirit, Jimmy loved designing his backyard, crafting custom metal wind spinners, and building an expansive hat collection. Jimmy enjoyed so much the trips he and Linda made with Roger and Paula to Port Arkansas and Lake of the Ozarks. He adored traveling with Linda and constantly spoiled her with butterflies, flowers, and jewelry. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he always went all out to make it magical for his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nina Carter; his father JB Carter; his stepmother, Frances Carter; his sister-in-law, Pearl Carter; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Jimmy's legacy lives on through his large and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Linda Carter; his children, Sheryl Coburn (Andy), Jimmy (Jeanne), Tomas (Jacki), and his stepchildren, Tommy Chavez, Pam Chavez Williams, and Alfie Chavez (Trish). He was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather of two. He is also survived by his brother Ron Carter (Silvia); his stepsister Sheila Chavez; his half-brothers, Marvin Carter (Ann), Alan Carter (Holly), and Darryl Carter; sister-in-law Dianne Maynard (Ken), alongside numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, Jimmy will be cremated, and his ashes will be taken to his favorite deer hunting camp. A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center to support laryngectomy and cancer research.