James Raymond Carpenter Sr.

James Raymond Carpenter, Sr., 83 of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on July 24, 2026, at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in England, Arkansas, on December 5, 1942. He and Lorene, the love of his life, were married on March 20, 1964, and to this union were born their daughter Debbie and son Jim. 

James loved spending time with his family and friends, and he will be remembered for the joy he found in appreciating photography of all kinds, sending birthday and anniversary cards to loved ones, attending gospel singings, coaching Rose City Ballpark players, and traveling all over sentimental country roads and his beloved Berlin, Germany. While serving in the Army, James was stationed in Berlin during a pivotal period in history when tensions in the city were at their height. 

He was stationed there when construction started on the Berlin Wall and the border was closed. During those uncertain days, Berlin changed quickly as families, neighbors and routines were disrupted overnight when the boundary between East and West was solidified in concrete and barbed wire. James’ experience living through those moments left a lasting impression on him, shaping the way he viewed the world and the importance of freedom and connection. He carried those memories with him for the rest of his life, returning to Berlin when he could in person, and when he couldn’t, in spirit through his photographs and the stories he shared with those he loved. 

James was a man of unwavering faith, integrity, honesty and compassion. He lived his life guided by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and strong values of always doing what he felt was right and treating others with fairness and respect. Known for his sincerity and trustworthy nature, James was someone family and friends could always count on. He loved his Rose City ballpark family and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to any player in need, offering his time and support, instilling the ethics of hard work and practice, and encouraging players and fellow coaches alike without expecting anything in return. His kindness, generosity and genuine concern for others touched countless lives and will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Burnelle Carpenter Ragsdale, and by his wife of 59 years Lorene Elizabeth (Martin) Carpenter. Survivors include his daughter Debbie (Tony) Shewmake of Roland, Arkansas and his son Jim (Kristi) Carpenter of Berryville, Arkansas; grandchildren Brett Carpenter, Brittany (Jerod) Burns, Brooke (Jack) Bodani, Haley (Caleb) Turpitt, Courtney Lawson (Chad), Rebecca Carpenter (Becca) and Alexx Carpenter (D’vonte); great grandchildren Ty Wyant, Hayden Burns, Matthew Bell, Connor Turpitt, Kingston Carpenter, Zhaire Alexander and Amari Alexander.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home – North Little Rock, located at 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.

Funeral services will follow on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Smith Family Funeral Home – North Little Rock, located at 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114. Interment will take place after at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, (501-758-1170).