James Howard Carter, 85, of Big Rapids, passed away on January 6, 2026. He was born on June 11, 1940, in Walnut Log, Tennessee, the son of James Sherman and Flossie (Morton) Carter. On February 3, 1962, he was united in marriage to Ramona Duty, and together they were blessed with 63 wonderful years of marriage.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959–1961. He was stationed in Germany and served in the 14th Armored Cavalry Tank Division Unit. Following his military service, he embarked on a long career as a surveyor, retiring from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and later founded his own business, Carter Surveying.

James enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, attending airshows, and truly loved his work in surveying. He especially cherished traveling with Ramona and taking family vacations. A devoted Christian, he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and later Charity Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ramona Carter; children, Vincent E. (Teresa) Carter, Jason S. Carter, and Cynthia M. (Jian) Huang; grandchildren, Valorie (Matt), Zachary (Kathryn), Xinmei, Jingwen, and Yiming; and great-grandchildren, Harrison, Clara, Peter, Charlotte, Evangeline, Jackson, Boone, and Cyrus. He is also survived by his sister, Vicky Hurley; aunt, Jo Morton; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids, with visitation beginning at 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit www.daggettfuneral.com.