James Wilson Carter

James Wilson Carter, born on March 24, 1931, in Hamlin, Jones County, Texas, passed away on November 29, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. James, affectionately called “Sonnie” by his family, was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and his esteemed career as an engineer for the Texas Highway Department.

A 1949 graduate of Hamlin High School, James possessed a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and a notable talent for mathematics, which served him well in his professional life. His commitment to service extended beyond his engineering duties; he honorably served in the United States Army, showcasing his dedication to his country.

James was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, embodying the spirit of joy and laughter. He never truly grew up, cherishing the moments spent playing games with his family and delighting in the latest technology—a true whiz who was always eager to embrace anything new. His role as the official photographer of the family captured countless cherished memories, and his love for family reunions highlighted the importance he placed on those bonds.

His proudest accomplishment was marrying Birda Fay Branch on February 11, 1956, a union that brought endless joy and companionship into their lives. James's generosity extended to taking his grandchildren shopping for comic books (or anything else they wanted) and engaging in his passion for gardening and canning. Known for his remarkable ability to seldom take naps—preferring instead to ‘rest his eyes’—he demonstrated a zest for life that inspired those around him.

James is survived by his devoted daughters, Beverly Carter and Sherry (Carter) Whitten; his son-in-law, James A. Whitten; his grandchildren, James Michael Whitten and wife Tiffany, with great-grandchildren Lila and Arthur; Jeremy Whitten and wife Brittani, with great-grandchildren Laila, Hadli and Elliot; Jody Whitten; and Sandi (Whitten) Purslow and husband, Jesse Purslow, with great-grandchildren Julian, Shaylee and Josiah. Born an only child, James was delighted to marry into a family of ten siblings, of whom five survive him: George Branch, Mary Ann (Branch) Tucker, Marie (Branch) Hill, John Henry Branch and David Branch, along with a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Birda Fay (Branch) Carter, his great-grandchild Gracyn Ellis Purslow, and his parents, Wilson Shannon and Lola Jane (Embrey) Carter.

A visitation will be held at Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home in Hamlin, Texas, on December 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM on December 8, 2025, at Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home Chapel followed by burial in Neinda Cemetery. The family warmly invites all who knew and loved James to join them in commemorating his remarkable life, his legacy of love, and the many memories he leaves behind.