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September 28, 2021
Wilmington, North Carolina - Brigadier General (R) James (Jim) Turman Carper passed peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Bonnie W. Carper early in the morning of Tuesday September 28th, 2021 after a courageous fight with pneumonia.
Jim was born on September 10, 1943 to the late William and Mary Alice Carper in Culpeper, VA. He is survived by wife Bonnie W. Carper, his sisters Ann Geddie (Mac) and Sue (Roger), his cousin Doug Carper, and by his children David Teeter (Joyce), Cheryl Rhew (Steve), Joanna Purgason (Roger), James Carper (Sarah), Kimberly Branum (Stephen), and Christopher Carper (Paige). Jim spent his childhood growing up in Raleigh, NC and after University lived in Wilmington, NC.
Jim was a loving grandfather to 15 grandchildren, David Teeter, Jr. (Jessica), Johnathan Teeter, Christopher Teeter (Heather), Evan Rhew, Cade Purgason, Anna Rhew, Taylor Purgason, Kaylie Purgason, Colson Branum, Braedon Marshall, Liam Carper, Olivia Carper, Alice Carper, Seeley Carper, Merick Branum, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Jim completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering at NC State University. He held a long career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, and retired in 1994 as Chief of the Project Management Branch.
Jim also served his country with the US Army after completing undergraduate studies by accepting a commission as a 1st Lieutenant. He served two tours in Vietnam between 1967-68. Upon completion of his graduate studies, he re-enlisted in the US Army National Guard where he served until 1999 rising to the earned rank of Brigadier General. During his career with the US Army, Jim was awarded many merits including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze star for meritorious service during the Vietnam War, the Army commendation medal W/2 OLC, the Army Achievement Medal, NC Distinguished Service Medal, NC Meritorious Medal, NC Commendation Medal (2nd award). He most recently served as the President for the SENCLAND Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
Jim loved and devotedly worked to service his Lord Jesus Christ, his country, and his family.
Services will be held Saturday October 2nd, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church – 601 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC. He will be entombed at the Sunrise Mausoleum at Oleander Memorial Gardens – 306 Bradley Drive, Wilmington, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the SENCLAND MOAA Scholarship Fund. PO Box 10015 Wilmington, NC 28404.
Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/james-carper-obituary?pid=200269517
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Charles Winton
Great memories of Jimmy in the Band. One memorable episode: for the marching band he played bass drum and so wielded a couple of clubs. I still remember being at a game in Rocky Mount and some drunk was harassing the band, shouting all kinds of foul mouth. Jimmy took offense and decided to confront the guy, but I guess forgot he had the clubs dangling from his wrists on leather straps, big mistake. Anyway the guy sucker punched him, so Mr. Southwick called in the police, who hauled the guy off, hopefully to face some consequences (although I doubt they bothered). We still went ahead with the half time show, Jimmy included, although he had a pretty good red mark on his face.
Hugh Cox
Jimmy Carper achieved substantail goals in his life. He earned his reputation. We were in the same Boy Scout troop at Hayes Barton Methodist Church. His father was one of the scout masters as well as being city manager of the City of Raleigh. I agree with the wonderful and encouraging words describing Jimmy's life.
Larry Lovvorn
I believe I first knew Jimmy at Daniels but our friendship grew at NBHS. We were both in the bands and several other organizations. After NCSU I left NC and spent the next 35 years in VA and NJ. In 2000 we moved to New Bern and on our first ICW trip in 2001 I called Jimmy and he and Bonnie joined us for drinks and supper at a marina in Wilmington. Each year since then we have been with both of them at least once a year. They came to New Bern and spent some time with us and on our annual trips to Myrtle Beach we joined them in Wilmington for a half day or so. In 2000 Corvid kept us apart but this year we were scheduled to meet them in Calabash on Sunday September 19. On Saturday night Bonnie advised us Jim had not been feeling good, had a Covid test (negative) and the doctor had placed him in the hospital. He had pneumonia in the lower half of one lung. Over the next 10 days the pneumonia progressed and all his 6 children visited him in the hospital. He told Bonnie he was not scared and the end came sadly.We attended his funeral in Wrightsville yesterday and it was a testimony of a grateful family for all he has done for each of them over the years. Very moving. His being a Brigadier General in the National Guard was only a small part of his devotion to the USA and his many awards mentioned above are of significance.
His family , friends, and country will miss Jim Carper. May he rest in peace.
Jackie (Jacquelyn) Logan
I didn't know Jimmy well but remember him as a real gentleman toward classmates. Seems that I remember him as smart! Am proud to find out about his life beyond high school. Our class has had many members living admirably.
Larry Lovvorn's comments were a tribute to him. Best wishes to his family.