Rev. James L. Carpenter

James Leondas Carpenter was born March 25, 1929, in Alvaton, KY, a son of the late Henry Carpenter and Eva Tribune Carpenter. He was a graduate of State Street High School and was employed by Hall's Men Store. After sharing his thoughts of being a barber with his high school friends, Jimmie moved to Indianapolis where he attended Poro Barber College. Upon receiving his license, he returned to Bowling Green as the first licensed black barber in the city working at Padgett's Barber Shop. But Jimmie Carpenter had a yearning to do more and opened Jimmie's Barber Shop in 1949, on Chestnut Street. Two of his sons followed in their father's footsteps as they likewise became barbers. After his daughter in-law joined them in the family business thus the name was changed to JC's Barber Shop. Mr. Jimmie was definitely an entrepreneur as he was also the owner of the BBQ Shack on 2nd and Chestnut. As a pillar in the community, he provided not just a service, but an outlet for the many patrons who came in to sit and talk, enjoy the conversations of others and share life experiences with one another.
In 1981, Mr. Jimmie answered his call into the ministry preaching his first sermon in May of 1981, at State Street Baptist Church. Four months later Rev. Carpenter preached at the Blue Level Missionary Baptist Church where he served as their Pastor for over 40 years. Rev. Carpenter previously served as Moderator of the Union District for 4 years. Rev. Carpenter led the congregation as he preached the gospel from the pulpit and shared God's love while holding clippers in his hands at the barber shop. Rev. Carpenter enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting and of course a good BBQ.
Over Rev. Carpenter's many years of service to the community he has received many accolades, some consisting of: Shake Rag Community Appreciation, Kentucky School Bus Training, and certifications from Hopkinsville College of the Bible and The Bethel Theological Clinic.
Rev. Carpenter was married to the late Georgia Mae Carpenter who stood by his side and supported him in all his endeavors. A man of God who loved and put God first and then his family. Rev. Carpenter once preached a sermon entitled One of God's Favorite Word (Come). On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 4:45 in the afternoon, Rev. Carpenter answered his call to (Come) as he was given rest from all his labor at the generous age of 94 years, and 5 months and 19 days.
To cherish and honor the memory of Rev. James L. Carpenter, he leaves his children, Andre Carpenter (Patricia Satterfield), Michael (Denise) Carpenter, Jennifer (Mark) Haynie, Robbie Carpenter, Junius (Jayne) Carpenter, Debra (Nathaniel) Gaten, Marilyn (Tony) Massey and Keith (Gwen) Carpenter; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Grady; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Along with his parents and wife, Rev. Carpenter was preceded in death by sons, Jimmie Carpenter, Jr., and Johnathan Carpenter; grandson Junius Carpenter.
Sincerely,
-Your friends at Burnam and Son