Jim Carpenter

Mr. James Thomas Carpenter, age 91, resident of Maury County, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at his daughter’s residence in Rainbow City, Alabama.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Hubert Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. The family will also receive friends on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jim, affectionately known as “Hoss,” a nickname given to him by his railroad buddies, was born in Pulaski, Tennessee, to the late Leonard Carpenter, Sr. and Clara Bell Peden Carpenter. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 until 1958. During his service, on May 4, 1957, he married Margaret Ellen King Carpenter, the love of his life. They shared 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2012.

Jim was a devoted Christian man and a longtime member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. He spent many years singing in the church choir and was especially remembered for his solos of “How Great Thou Art” and “He Touched Me,” which were a blessing to the congregation.

A country boy at heart, Jim grew up on a farm and never lost his love for working outdoors. Each year, he looked forward to planting and tending his garden in the backyard. He was a hardworking man whose greatest purpose was providing a good life for his family, something he took great pride in throughout his life.

Following his military service, Jim worked for Sunbeam Bread Company before beginning his career with the railroad, where he remained for 30 years before retiring. He and Margaret enjoyed their retirement years traveling and spending time with family and friends. They also became regulars at Doodads Restaurant, where Sheila White and her staff welcomed them with the kind of love and care usually reserved for family. In the years following Margaret’s passing, Sheila and her staff, along with his breakfast buddies, continued to be a special part of Jim’s daily life and brought him much happiness.

Never one to sit still for long, Jim eventually returned to his farming roots after retiring from the railroad. He spent several years working alongside his good friend, Amos McCoy, helping out on his farm. He continued doing what he loved until he was physically unable to work and finally retired at the age of 82.

Above all, Jim will be remembered as a hardworking man, a faithful Christian, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His strong work ethic, love of family, and the friendships he made along the way will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Terry (Annette) Carpenter of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee; daughter, Tammy (Dwayne) Grooms of Rainbow City, Alabama; grandchildren, Kenny (Lois) Carpenter, Janet (Eric) Murphy, Heather (Shane) Sherrill, Miranda Roberts, D.J. (Kylie) Grooms, and Kayla (Brooks) Robinson; eleven great-grandchildren, Easton and Enzlie Grooms, Kade, Maxen, Jaxton, and Lucas Robinson, Hank Murphy, Hayden, Paisley, and Knox Sherrill, and April Hall; one great-great-grandchild, Weston Hall; a host of nieces and nephews; and special longtime family friend, Barbara Roundtree.

Along with his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Dixon; brother, L.F. Carpenter; and sisters, Margaret Bateman and Cullie Vick.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Carpenter, D.J. Grooms, Brooks Robinson, Easton Grooms, Kade Robinson, Eric Murphy, and Shane Sherrill.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amos McCoy, and his longtime railroad buddies.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Debbie Rose and her family for the love, kindness, and care they showed Jim and his family. They also wish to express their sincere appreciation to his special caregivers, Sheila Alverson and Beth Goll with Enhabit Hospice, for the compassion and care they provided.