JONATHAN JAMES “JIM” CARTER

January 18th, 1933 to June 25th, 2026

There are no words big enough to describe the kind of man dad was or the space he leaves behind. Jonathan “Jim” James Carter lived 93 years filled with love, hard work, quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Olive; siblings: Ronald “RJ”, Edith, Cecil, Beulah, Myrtle, Alice, and Lovell.  He also carried the heartbreaking loss of his infant daughter, Marcelle Carter; grandson, Todd Dekker; and granddaughter-in-law, Sarah Koch.  Jim leaves behind a family who loved him beyond words.  He is survived by his son, Jimmy (Janice), and their family: Carey (Dan), Adam (Brianne), and Tara (Cory), along with his great-grandchildren Mike, Tristan, Taylor, Rylee, Emma, Mason, and Oliver.  He is also survived by his daughter, Dana, her children JR (Sarah), Brianne, and Keshia (Shane), and his great-grandchildren Gavin, Ryder, Sophia, Kahlia, Baylee, Julian, and Mateo.  Jim also leaves behind his bonus daughters, Jeneen (Lee) and Laurie (Robert), whom he raised and loved as his own.  To Dad, there was never such a thing as “step” or “half.”  Family was family.  Jeneen’s family includes Sarah (Eric), Jesse, and Jud (Amaya), along with great-grandchildren Sierra, McKayla, Vera, Zach, and Sophie.  Laurie’s family includes Damon, Vicki (Rodi), Troy (Kristi), and Mansil, along with great-grandchildren Audrey, Brooklyn, Xavier, Brelund, and Trudi.  

Jim was the last surviving of eight siblings.  He was born and raised in the Esbank, SK area, where he developed a lifelong love of farming, baseball, and the simple joys of country life.  A talented ball player in his younger years, he often reminisced about his childhood on the farm, playing baseball, and attending dances.  While others danced, Jim was happiest sitting outside with a drink, enjoying the company around him.  He spoke often of Ethel and Valerie, who spent many cherished days at the farm, and their bond remained strong throughout the years.  

Throughout his life, Jim was never afraid of hard work.  He farmed before beginning his career at Bilt-Rite alongside his brother-in-law, Ronald Hurrion, working in upholstery.  He later worked at National Feeds, became a milkman with the Co-op Dairy, and eventually spent 22 years as a caretaker with the Public School Board.  

Having a milkman for a dad came with its perks.  He often brought home treats for the family, and on rainy days, when the money he collected got wet, he would spread it across the kitchen table to dry.  Those moments became unexpected math lessons and treasured childhood memories.  

Jim found happiness in life’s simple pleasures.  He loved fishing, caring for his aquarium full of guppies, spoiling his beloved dog Coco, and earning the affection of his cat Tigger, who wasn’t fond of many people.  He never turned down peanuts or chocolate and was known for his quick smile, gentle humour, and kind heart.  If you caught him dozing off in his chair, he would always grin and say, “I’m just resting my eyes.”  And saying goodbye to dad was never a quick affair.  He would say goodbye, keep talking for another ten minutes, say goodbye again, remember one more story, and repeat the whole cycle.  Looking back now, those long goodbyes became one of the many little things that made him so special, giving all of us just a little more time with him.  

To the world, he may have been just another face in the crowd.  But to those who called him Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and friend, he was our everything.  He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.  His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the values he instilled, the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and every goodbye that somehow always lasted just a little longer.  

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff, care aides, and nurses at Pioneer Lodge for the exceptional care and kindness they showed Jim.  He truly loved living there and often spoke so highly of the wonderful people who became part of his daily life.  Thank you for treating him with such compassion, respect, and dignity.

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 6th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home, with interment taking place in Rosedale Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550