James Carpenter of Grand Island, FL passed away suddenly on Wed., Dec. 11, 2024, at the age of 77. He was born in Columbus, OH on Nov.14, 1947. Jim married the love of his life, soulmate and best friend, Diane Carpenter on Jan. 25, 1975. Together they lived in several states during his career and then retired to beautiful Lake Noquebay, WI for several years until heading south to Florida. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing Bridge, poker, and golf. Jim touched the lives of everyone he came to know, whether volunteering at church, associations or clubs, he always strived to make people’s lives better and bring a smile to their face.
Jim worked in the printing industry for over 40 yrs. He ended his career with Vertis Communications as Sr. VP of Inline Operations. He graduated from Bishop Hartley High School and from Franklin University in Columbus, OH with a BS in business administration. In retirement Jim was the President of the Lake County Duplicate Bridge Club in Eustis. He was a wonderful man who loved and cared for his family and everyone he met. He will be dearly missed.
James is survived by his wife of 49 years Diane Carpenter; children, Colleen (Dan) Markwood, Kimberly (Nicholas) Petit, Christopher Carpenter (deceased). Siblings Ken (Jane) Carpenter, Patricia (Bill) Stetter, Ann (Ron) Feister, Katie (Scott) VanOrmer, Joan (Doug) Goolsby, Margo Carpenter (deceased); grandkids Samuel Markwood, Maggie (Matt) Markwood, and Harrison Petit; great-grandchildren Amelia Burden; in-laws Dennis (Jane) Van Daalwyk, Bill Van Daalwyk, Bob (Hua) Van Daalwyk, Lori Verkuylen, Lisa (Joe) Sutta, and Lee Van Daalwyk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Carpenter and in-laws; Robert and Eunice Van Daalwyk.