James Herbert Carpenter, born on November 21, 1929, in French Creek, WV, was a man who wore many hats throughout his life. With a heart as big as his spirit, James was a true renaissance man, proving that talent has no age limit or boundaries. As George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” James personified this quote and lived it every day until his passing on January 3, 2025.
He was a son of the late Roy Carpenter and Louella “Ella” Hunt Carpenter. James was known as “Jim” in North Carolina, “Red” in Pennsylvania and “Hub” in West Virginia. James was preceded in death by one daughter, Joyce Anne Nevall; and seven siblings: Avis Karr, Opal Page, Dama Jean Stockart, Olen Carpenter, Willard Carpenter, Hugh Carpenter and Doyle Carpenter.
Forever cherishing their memories of Hub are his three children: Karen Lynn Fisher and husband, Andrew, of Alum Bridge, Janice Marie Carpenter, and John James Carpenter and wife, Michelle, both of Ambridge, PA; five grandchildren: Danielle Carpenter, Lily Carpenter, Jeremy Fisher, Amy Ainscough and husband, Talon, and Anthony Nevall and wife, Meghan; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his sweetheart, “Babe” Evelyn Pittman of Washington, NC; and her daughters: Dale Quidley and husband, Mike, and Sheila Alligood and husband, Buddy.
James spent 30 dedicated years as a crane operator and pipe fitter in the steel mills of Pittsburgh. His determination and work ethic led him to take charge of the assembly line during WWII, making projectiles for the battleship, known as “Big Mo.” His professional life, however, barely scratched the surface of the man he truly was. At the age of 65, James taught himself to play the guitar, becoming a founding performer at the Belhaven Mainstreet Landing Bluegrass Jams. An enthusiast of precision and detail, he also had a lifelong passion for Horology, which is repairing watches and clocks, a skill he had perfected since he was 9 years old. His skilled reputation took him to several well-known retailers, museums, and his own self-employment, ensuring a long-standing membership in the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Inc.
James’ love for community was evident in his involvement with the Rochester Lodge 229 AF & AM, and as a founding member of the Lykens Community Theater. He played a crucial role in the theater’s renovation, helping design the unique heating and cooling system. In Belhaven NC (2011-2024), James became so well known and involved in the community that he was voted and served as 2015‘s Belhaven Citizen of the Year. One of his greatest pleasures was making people laugh and helping them enjoy life.
The request for cremation has been honored by Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of James Herbert Carpenter. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
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