James Carpenter

James W. Carpenter, 91, of Frederick, MD passed away Sunday, July 9 with his daughter by his side.

Born May 27, 1926, he was the son of the late Sprague and Inez Carpenter. Jim was born and raised in

Ironwood, Michigan, a mining town with only two seasons: winter and summer; "when there was no snow

on the ground, it was summer."

Jim played right guard #63 on the Ironwood HS football team. His senior year(1943) the team was undefeated and later was inducted

into the Ironwood Area Sports Hall of Fame. Jim graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1949 and

served our country for 20 years in the Navy as a marine engineer. He earned two master’s degrees at MIT.

Most important to Jim was his family. He was kind, generous, and had an infectious smile and

laugh. Jim, always a gentleman, would offer his seat to any lady, even when he had trouble

standing. He was an avid chess player, playing weekly and then daily for many years with his

daughter. He loved chocolate, ice cream, and milkshakes. Late in life he grew his hair long in

protest that women no longer wear dresses. He admonished everyone who used their teeth to

open anything; his father was a dentist! Anytime Jim heard someone say, "you look beautiful",

he would comment emphatically, "They should say, ‘you ARE beautiful.’" He did not want

anyone to say "just" before their role; "Don’t say ‘just’, it minimizes who you are!"

Jim is survived by his daughter Alice Rader (John) of Adamstown, two grandchildren Timothy

Rader (Erin) of Adamstown and Lenea Stocker (Mike) of Laurel; five great-grandchildren Caitlyn

Clark, Owen Stocker, Tanis Rader, James Stocker (his namesake), and Kitiara Rader (due October 2017).

Jim was preceded in death by his son James W. Carpenter, Jr.; his former wife, mother of his

children, and love of his life Alice Cobb; and his two brothers Jack and David Carpenter.

Jim was happy to the end of his life. Contributing to this happiness, his daughter would like to

thank all the staff, residents, and volunteers at Somerford House, Frederick and all the staff and

volunteers with Carroll County Hospice.

There will be no service.

Every time Jim visited the Urbana Library, he would tell the nearest staff member, "You should

have a sign posted asking for donations." Now there is a sign and card reader to make

donations. In lieu of flowers, Jim would want you to make a donation to the Frederick County

Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St, Frederick, MD 21704.