James Tap Carter

James Tap Carter, 97, of the Rocky Creek Community left for his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

James was born on November 2, 1926, the 7th of 10 children, to Taplin L. and Jennie Brock Carter. At the time of his birth, James was only known as Boy Carter.  When he was 5 years old he was asked his name and he replied James Tap Carter.  His birth certificate was updated and he was known as James Tap from that point forward.  At 17, while working in the kitchen at Florida State Hospital, James enlisted in the United States Army and became part of “The Greatest Generation” our country has ever known. He started his military career as a tank operator during World War II and took over as Mess Sergeant before the war ended.  James always held fond memories of his time in Valence, France and spoke of it often. After the war, he returned to the Rocky Creek Community and began farming.  He married Lossie Alberta Folsom in 1948 and went on to have 3 children.  In addition to farming, James worked as a Road Grader for Jackson County and eventually went to work for the State of Florida at Sunland until he retired in 1986. James impacted a lot of lives during his time at Sunland whether that be staff or residents and was called Daddy Carter by many.  After retirement he enjoyed many, many days on his beloved Chipola River fishing with Lossie and friends.  He also enjoyed the times he and Lossie spent traveling in their RV to Bluegrass Music Festivals. James had a healthy appetite.  He enjoyed cooking pork chops, cabbage and fried bread and he equally enjoyed a mess of fried mullet and Paramore’s shrimp. In recent years as his health began to decline, he still enjoyed car rides through the country and trips to the Waffle Iron.  James loved Christmas lights and last Christmas he was able to enjoy a Whataburger and the lights around Lake DeFuniak.  It’s hard to do justice to 97 years in the space of an obituary but just know that James made a lot of memories and had a lot of great stories to tell.  Thankfully he shared those with his family often and into his final days.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lossie Alberta Folsom; his youngest son, James Wendell Carter and his 9 siblings, Frances, Fred, Mildred, Ethel, Hattie Mae, Lloyd, Dorothy, Jennie V. and Julian.

James is survived by his son, Chanley W. Carter (Denise); his daughter and loyal caretaker, Sharon Carter Messer; his grandson, Shayne Carter (Brenda Vèlez); his granddaughter, Tiffany Wilson Garling (Jim King); his bonus grandson, Alex Elliot; his great granddaughter, Shayna Murphy (Doodle) who he was proud to have raised; his great grandson, Jacob Landon Garling; his bonus great grandchildren, Mason & Savannah King; his great great grandson, James Rip Murphy; his only remaining sister-in-law, Doris Carter Carpenter and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10 A.M. Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Reverend Alvin Roberts officiating. A time of visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. 

A private burial with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard will be held immediately following the service. Those serving as pallbearers will be Dustin “Doodle” Murphy, James King, Bill Wright, Danny Sims, Terry Carter, and Wade Mercer.

In Lieu of flowers or food, memorial contributions may be made to the Rocky Creek Tabernacle Church or Honor Flight Tallahassee. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Steven Spence, Dr. Tucker Rutherford, the staff of Jackson Hospital and Marianna Internal Medicine, Vitas Healthcare, Lee Dunaway (Paramore’s Pharmacy), Chief Charlie Brunner and the capable staff of Jackson County Fire & Rescue.

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