James Michael Carter (Mike), age 73, died peacefully Wednesday, July 5, 2023 surrounded by loved ones at his side.

Mike was born January 13, 1950 in Oakland, California to Mary Bell McDonald and Lee Roy Carter.

Raised in Houston Texas, Mike graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1968. Following graduation, and sporting a full head of natural blonde hair, Mike moved to the North Shore of Oahu. While there he worked at the Dole Pineapple Plantation to support his love of surfing and other habits one might associate with the 1960s.

In 1971 Mike returned to Houston where he gave his life to the Lord. Having a difficult time leaving behind the lifestyle choices a surfer might make, Mike was advised to leave Houston and head to Shreveport, Louisiana. It is here, through mutual friends, that Mike first met a Miss Dianne Aaron. After some time Mike left Shreveport, attended Texas Tech briefly, and followed around the famous television evangelist Brian Rudd and aided in his ministry.

While traveling Mike never did forget about Dianne, and in 1975 he called and proposed to her over the phone. July 1978 Mike and Dianne married with the blessing of her father Sidney Aaron.

Mike held many jobs throughout his life, working offshore as a roughneck, a snow ski instructor, and traveling the world for Carrier (air conditioning) just to name a few. Even when his mental acuteness began to wane, Mike always wanted to work. You could never question his commitment to provide for his family, but serving the Lord was his true desire. He was never shy to share his faith with a complete stranger or lead Bible study at church, and he made sure that his family was rooted in Gods Word. Mike TRULY loved the Lord.

Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mrs. Dianne Carter, their three children, Annika, Aaron, and Arielle; seven grandchildren; and sisters Patricia (Pat) Naler,Mary Mentor and brother Gean Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Bell McDonald and Leroy Carter.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let vour hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

- John 14:27 Funeral Service Saturday 22 Jul 2:00 pm ~ Open Range Fellowship 9950 US-80. Greenwood, LA 71033