James A. "Jim" Carpenter, Jr.

Jim Carpenter, born February 16, 1934, passed away on Wednesday March 11, 2026 after a remarkable life devoted to family, faith, and community.

Jim grew up in Graniteville, South Carolina, where he was class president of Graniteville High School and captain of the basketball team. A gifted athlete, he also received college football scholarship offers, played a season in the Detroit Tigers minor league system, and was a two-time Golden Gloves boxing champion with a professional record of 21–1.

He later moved to Aiken where he and his family built their life together. Jim worked for DuPont and Westinghouse, retiring as a Human Resources Manager, and later spent 20 years with ConceptHR before retiring at age 86. An avid golfer, he enjoyed the game and friendships it brought for more than 60 years.

Jim loved the outdoors. He was an avid quail hunter and fisherman, loved working with his bird dogs, and founded the New Ellenton Trail Riding Club, where friends enjoyed memorable 21-mile horseback rides together.

A devoted member of St. John’s Methodist Church, he served as a layman and Sunday School teacher and coached youth baseball, basketball, and football, touching many young lives. He was also known for hosting dance gatherings that welcomed people of all ages and created lasting memories for many in the community.

He shared 72 loving years of marriage with his wife, Peggy Ann, his sweetheart since the eighth grade.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his sons Tim Carpenter (Sandy), and Tommy Carpenter; grandchildren James Carpenter (Laura), Amber Carpenter, Lindsay Carpenter, Ryan Carpenter (Allison), and Jonathan Selman; great grandchildren, Chase, Aaron, Avery and Emma Claire. He was preceded in death by his daughter Debbie Selman and granddaughter Allison.

Whether on the golf course, in church, on horseback, or among friends, Jim Carpenter lived a life that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

A memorial service honoring his life and legacy will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2026 at 11Am at St. John's Methodist Church in Aiken. Burial will be private. Following the service will be a time of visiting in the fellowship hall.

Jackson Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with these arrangements.