James Carpenter

James Carpenter, 86, of Chattanooga, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, surrounded by his family.He was born in Peak Land, Tenn., and has been a resident of Chattanooga for 64 years. Mr. Carpenter was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Edna Carpenter; his brother, Garland Carpenter; and his sister, Peggy Hutsell, and brother-in-law, Noel Hutsell. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marjorie Carpenter; son, Jim (Teresa) Carpenter, of Chattanooga; daughter, Becky (Randy) Starnes, of Bloomington, Ill.; grandchildren, Dr. Sarah Starnes, of St. Louis, Mo., and Jared (Gretchen) Starnes, of Columbia, Mo.; sister, Phyllis (Martin) Ward, of Chattanooga, and sister-in-law, Edna Carpenter, of Decatur, Tenn.; uncle, Mack (Rose) Inman, of Lake City, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.During World War II, he was a technical sergeant/flight engineer on a B-17G, flying 33 combat missions with the 8th Army Air Corps over Germany. His combat missions included Normandy, Northern France, Air Offense Europe, and Air Combat Balkans. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaves, EAMET Campaign Medal with four battle stars, and the Good Conduct Medal.Following the War, he settled in Chattanooga and worked at South Central Bell Telephone Company for over 33 years, retiring as Supervising Central Office Foreman. The family would like to thank Memorial Home Health and the doctors, nurses, and staff of Memorial Hospital for their care and kindness.He was a member of Brainerd Baptist Church for 51 years.Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with the Rev. Braden Morrison officiating.Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road.