James "Jim" Boyd Carter

James “Jim” Boyd Carter passed away in his home in Benkelman, NE on March 28, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 79.

Jim was born in Slaton, TX on January 28, 1946, to parents John Bryant and Geneva Louise (Patterson) Carter. He grew up in New Home,Texas where he worked in the cotton fields.

Jim selflessly joined the Navy in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1964. Jim was a Natops C-118 flight engineer where he would test pilots’ qualifications to fly. Jim clocked in over 5000 hours in C-118 and various other aircrafts. He proudly served his country for over 20 years before being honorably discharged on July 31, 1988.

Jim met the love of his life Cherry Kay Simer in Norfolk, Virginia where they were both stationed in the Navy. They were married on August 2, 1985, in Keflavik, Iceland. Together, they lived in Ridgecrest California, VX-5 China Lake before moving to Benkelman, Nebraska in 1988. Jim worked at Valley Farm John Deer in the parts department for 13 years until their closing, following his time there, he worked at NAPA in Benkelman before his retirement.

Jim was known as a storyteller; it was always unpredictable how long his errands would take because he loved stopping at businesses to chat. Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, and woodworking. His family will always remember their yearly camping trips to Steamboat Springs, CO in the Mount Zirkle Wilderness. Here they would hike, pick berries, and enjoy Jim’s favorite fishing spots.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, daughter Mona Carter, sisters Geneva “Louise” Green and Sandra Kay Hester, grandson Talon Reece Carter, and parents-in-law Jimmy and Shirly Simer.

Those who will miss Jim dearly are his wife Cherry Carter of Benkelman, NE; daughters, Amber Proctor of Brownfield, TX, Cerice (Kenny) Miner of Wauneta, NE, and Heather Carter (Anthony Brown) of McCook, NE; brother, George “Buck” Carter of Mt. Pleasant, TX; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested In Jim’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

There will be a memorial service with military honors on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM (MT), at the Benkelman Memorial Chapel in Benkelman, NE, with Wanda Parman officiating.