James Ernest Carter

James E. Carter

May 22, 1931 – August 30, 2020

James E. Carter (Buddy) passed away in ABQ, NM at 89 years of age.  He was born in Las Cruces, NM to Erma and Virgil Carter.  He attended Las Cruces High School (Class of 1949) and the New Mexico Military Institute.  He was a veteran of the Korean war serving in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic stationed at Luke Air Force base in the 127th field maintenance squadron. 

Buddy is survived by his wife Brenda of 58 years, his son Jim (Mary) and daughters Andrea (Carl), Sheila, Suzi (Doug), Dina, his sisters Sue and Virginia, his beloved dog Tinker and many life-long friends.  He was pre-deceased by his sister Lois.  Buddy was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. 

His entire life, he was employed as a Master Mechanic of automobiles.  He owned many of his own repair shops; worked as a service manager at several dealerships in California; was a top salesman of automotive test equipment and in retirement taught automotive electronics courses.  Prior to retirement he was the proud owner of a lube and oil shop in ABQ, NM for 20 years.

Buddy was skilled in many trades including electrical, plumbing, welding and wood working.  He was a beloved teacher and mentor of many young men pursuing the automotive repair trade.  He could troubleshoot and fix anything.  One of his friends said “If Jesus Christ had a car that required repair, he would take it to Buddy Carter because he could fix anything”

Buddy enjoyed flying civilian aircraft (first soloing at age 13).  In his youth he built and raced hot rods, go-carts, and rode motorcycles.  Buddy designed and fabricated many of his own inventions and tools.  He had a life-long interest in natural health and preventative medicine.  He was a great story teller and in his youth a prankster with a fantastic sense of humor that stayed with him until his last day.  He was a man of many talents who dearly loved his family and was dearly loved by them.