James Rudolph "Jim" Carpenter

“Silent Service Brothers, Lower Your Oars”

James Rudolph “Jim” Carpenter, 54, of Rayne, LA died Sunday, October 27, 2018 in Dubai, UAE.

Mr. Carpenter was born in Orlando, FL raised in Lake Charles and lived in Rayne. He was a graduate of A.M. Barbe High School and attended George Washington University. Following graduation, he signed with the United States Navy where he served eleven years, two tours of the Cold War and three submarines: the USS L. Mendel Rivers SSN-686, the USS Henry M. Jackson SS BN-730 and the USS Silversides SSD-679 as Sonar Technician. He traveled the world twice, earning the rank of E-6, the Submariners Dolphins Badge, many medals of decoration and the Navy Officer’s Sword. Following his departure from service, Mr. Carpenter worked twenty years for the Times Picayune as a Technical Specialist and was currently working for CAD Control Systems where he continued to travel the world as a Country Manager/Engineer/Computer Programmer Technician.   He was an avid reader and was always reading a book of some kind, a trait that began during his early childhood that would lead to his overwhelming wealth of knowledge. His passion for life in the water continued as he enjoyed fishing and kayaking. He also enjoyed riding and training his Tennessee Walker horse and his time with his dogs. Mr. Carpenter loved music, had a playlist of hundreds of songs, many from around the world, some bringing reminders of another place and time. Mr. Carpenter will be remembered for his dry wit, sense of sarcasm and playful spirit. Most importantly, his generosity, meaningful conversations and love of family.  

He leaves to honor his memory, his wife, Nieves “Snow” Hernandez Carpenter of Rayne; daughter, Kasinda Amra Carpenter of Bossier City; two step-daughters, Holli Weir of Westwego and Nautasha Maxwell of Las Vegas; step-son, Daniel Weir of Rayne; six grandchildren, Chazz and Timothy Olivier; Clarence, Scarlett and Heaven LaCour and Alyssa Ledet; one sister, Pam Mancuso and husband Sam of Lake Charles; nieces, Kristen Mancuso and Lisa Beth Lemaire and husband Kevin of Sulphur; nephew, Matt Mancuso and wife Amanda of Lake Charles; great nieces and nephews, Andrew LaRocca of Lake Charles and Brady and Lillian Lemaire of Sulphur and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Clay Carpenter, Marguerite “Peggy” Verratti Beckham; step-father, Richard Ellis Beckham; brother, Randall Clay Carpenter; grandson, Skyler James Tayler and nephew, Sam Henry Mancuso.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 17, 2018 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Andrew Goff will officiate. Interment services with naval honors will follow at Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Saturday will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

 “Jim would have wanted those who attend to come as they were going to his house”

Memorial donations may be made at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.