In loving memory of

James Phillip Carter
December 10, 1947 - April 12, 2020

Jim P. Carter, age 72, of Rochester, MN passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
James Phillip Carter was born December 10, 1947 in Winona, MN the son of C.W. "Bill" and Fran (Menegas) Carter. He attended catholic school in Winona and graduated in 1966 from Lourdes High School in Rochester, MN. Jim enlisted into the United States Marine Corp and served overseas in Vietnam until his honorable discharge 1969. He returned home and furthered his education at Mankato State University. Jim joined his mother and father in the family owned Carter's Family Restaurant in Rochester. He later managed Red Lobster until his retirement.
Jim was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and co-founder of Marine Corps League and attended Marine Corps reunions. He loved spending time with his family, friends, his cat "Zorro" and dogs. He enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Florida, attending Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest in New Orleans. He also enjoyed music, swimming, spending time at the beaches and boating on the river. In high school he was selected as WCCO All State Football Player of the Week, Honorable Mention All Catholic Schools and 1964 Lourdes Hall of Fame State Football Championship Team.
He is survived by his children, Kalli A. Carter of Cape Coral, FL, Kara (Ryan) Carter-Kleven of Oronoco, MN and Travis Carter of Rochester, MN; children's mother, Shirley Walters of Rochester, MN; four grandchildren, Zachary Tatak, Skyler Tatak, Cameron Tatak and Xander Carter-Kleven; siblings, Kalli T. Carter of Rochester, MN and Nick (Becky Larsen) Carter of Rochester, MN; brother-in-law, Phil Kalcevic of Pennsylvania; aunts and uncles and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cynthia Kalcevic.
A Celebration of Life Reception will be held 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Sunday, September 13, 2020 at The Pondy Restaurant and Bar 40240 County Rd. 90, Mazeppa, MN 55956. A Graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, September 14, 2020 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Preston. Memorials are preferred to Corporal Curtis M. Swenson Memorial or Paws and Claws Humane Society. Masks and social distancing are required for all services.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes of Rochester are honored to be serving the Carter family; special memories or condolences can be shared to the family by visiting www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.


Tributes

Dawn Hopkins wrote on Sep 12, 2020:

"Aw Jimmy, you were one of my favorite people. We loved to talk about our grandkids and families, and I felt so lucky you came out to see me on occasion at Fat Willy?s. I still chuckle that I worked with you several years before I realized you were THAT Carter family! Fond memories of that old restaurant, had our rehearsal dinner there almost 45 years ago! And if I ever hear anyone talking about bats in the cave I smile and think of you. ?"

Kimberly Alwin wrote on Aug 30, 2020:

"I was blessed to work with Jim at ?Red Lobster for many years. He always had a smile on and took an interest in his team. This world was better because he was here ? My sympathies to his family, who I recall Jim boasting often of, with great love!"

Mike Fairchild wrote on Jul 25, 2020:

"Strange world. Jim was one of my best friends in 1966. We played football together and I worked at the County Kitchen before it became the Carter Family Restaurant. For some reason I was moved to Google "Carter Family Restaurant" today and found this sad notification. He was a strong good soul and will be missed. Too young to leave us. What happened? Was he stricken by Covid-19?"

Gaile Mattison wrote on Jul 10, 2020:

"We just learned about his passing yesterday. What a gentle caring soul! Although we only met a few years ago, he always shared funny stories and made us laugh. R.I.P. Jim! "

Tammy Dowdy wrote on Apr 22, 2020:

"I am so sorry for your family?s loss. Keep all the wonderful memories close and alive???"

Steven Hartog wrote on Apr 22, 2020:

"James was one of the best managers I've ever had. I spent many years working with Jim at Red Lobster he was special because he was always cool ,calm and collected. RIP Jim"

THOMAS J JARMUZ wrote on Apr 21, 2020:

"CARTER FAMILY; I KNEW JIM WHILE I WAS AT MANKATO STATE.TO MANY FOND MEMORIES OF THE TIMES AND FUN AT MANKATO. BEING FROM RED WING I OVES THE RESTAURANT. GOD BLESS TOM JARMUZ RED WING, MN."

Mike lewis wrote on Apr 19, 2020:

"We are so sorry to read about Jim's Passing. Mike worked at Carters 1982- 1984. I worked there in 1988 as a waitress and what a great family to work for. Prayers to the family and RIP Jim. Mike and Tammy Lewis "

Denise Abrath Davidson wrote on Apr 18, 2020:

"I waitressed at Carters' in the early 70s while going to school. I especially remember Jim as being a great guy, always kind and easy to work with. Fond memories! My sympathy to your family."

Barb (Broton) Ellsworth wrote on Apr 16, 2020:

"I am so Sorry to see on this of James. Worked with the Carter's at their restaurant. So Sorry to see Cynthia had passed also. Learned a lot from this family and this is loss . Bless you all. "

twyla oswald wrote on Apr 16, 2020:

"Very wonderful man / person. Was frank Oswald and our family who had the pleasure of knowing the very pleasant Jim. God bless"

Patti Fiedler wrote on Apr 16, 2020:

"He was a guy who loved life and especially his family. Many wonderful memories. He will be missed by so many."

Sonie Van Vugt wrote on Apr 15, 2020:

"Sorry to hear about his passing. He was dearly loved and cherished. Hugs and prayers to all. "

Claire Ulrich wrote on Apr 15, 2020:

"Jimmy was one of my favorite people that I?ve ever worked for...always looked out for us and had a twinkle in his eye! He will be missed and I send my sincerest condolences to his family."

STEPHANIE GARTNER wrote on Apr 15, 2020:

"Carter Family First of all HUGS TO YOU ALL!!!!!! I am so sad to hear of Jims passing....the memories of all of us having so much fun at Carter's restaurant will always be with me! I remember making fries and hamburgers, which were the BEST ever from Carters! Oh we were stinkers too...changing up salt shakers and all too! ha! Loved being little "Waitresses" when he'd let us too! Sitting on the roof of the restaurant with your cousins too! Growing up right behind you guys was the best..many good and crazy memories! Your dad and my mom are in heaven now probably having some good and funny conversations about all of our shenanigans! Your Dad was a great man and keep all the great memories close to your hearts!!!! Love you all and thinking of you all at this hard time! Please keep us all informed for the memorial service that will happen down the road too. Love Steph (Darbo) Gartner"

Vicki, Brent, Austin and Peyton Loeslie wrote on Apr 14, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss Kara, Ryan and Xander. ?Pops? was X?s ultimate fan at hockey games. He was well loved and will be missed immensely."