James William Carothers Jr

James W. "Billy" Carothers, age 83, passed away peacefully on August 21 at Atrium Main in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 19, 1942, Jim was the son of James Carothers and Margaret "Peggy" Brady, and was lovingly raised by his stepfather, Joe Badali. Jim grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from South Hills Catholic High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as a telecommunications expert while stationed in Germany. His time in the military instilled in him a quiet discipline and a lifelong appreciation for service. After returning to the United States and completing his military duty, Jim worked for A. Duie Pyle Trucking Company. He was known for his reliability and strong work ethic. In his free time, he enjoyed tinkering around the house, always finding something to fix or improve. He had a passion for sports cars and once proudly owned a TVR, a reflection of his love for speed and style. In 2007, following his retirement, Jim relocated to Charlotte, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and the comforts of a slower pace. Jim is survived by his son, Thomas "Tom" Klingenfuss of Pittsburgh; granddaughters Kayla and Taylor Klingenfuss of Pittsburgh and Nicole Carothers of Florida; his stepdaughter, Amber Hart; and his sister, Peggy Madison. He is also remembered by Margaret Andrunas, mother of his children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet, who passed just one month before him; his son, James "Billy Boy" William Carothers III; his sisters, Carol and Ellen; his parents; and many other loved ones. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, in the funeral home chapel. All services will conclude at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Billy will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of family, and the way he found joy in the simple things-whether under the hood of a car or in the company of those he loved.