James Stuart Carpenter

James Stuart Carpenter

December 4, 1953 – January 20, 2026

James Stuart Carpenter was born in Los Angeles, California on December 4, 1953, to James (Jim) and Joan Carpenter. Since his father was also James, he was known as Stuart. In 1958 the family moved north to the Bay Area. Ten years later, they headed south to Santa Monica. Stuart graduated from Palisades High School. Following his dream, he began his college education majoring in Architecture at University of Arizona. Sadly, our father passed away suddenly in 1974. Our family gathered close to home that year. Stuart then enrolled at the University of Southern California where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering as well as Master's Degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. As an engineer, Stuart worked at Hughes designing state-of-the-art satellite systems. In 1985, he changed jobs and moved to the mountains above Littleton, Colorado where he worked for Lockheed Martin. He chose rural life, buying a cabin, remodeling and growing a garden. There, Stuart met and married Jackie Lynn Barnum. In 2009, he fought and survived his first bout with cancer. He later divorced and moved to Denver to work for Litton Industries. There Stuart took up bicycling and running, competing in many 10ks, marathons, and the "Escape From Alcatraz" triathlon. In 2017 Stuart retired. And surprised everyone by purchasing a small farm in Rothville, Missouri where his paternal grandfather was raised! He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Carpenter side of the family. Stuart was in his element! Joyful in his retirement. He savored working the land, driving his tractor, building gardens, remodeling and socializing with newfound friends. He also took part time jobs and became a substitute teacher. In 2018, Stuart was again diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to his strong will to survive and the devotion of local family and friends, Stuart continued to enjoy his Rothville life while repelling the cancer for eight years. He leaves behind his beloved kitties: Cat Rocket Mouser and Skeeter-the Bomb 2.0. He is survived by his siblings Andrew, Jeannette, Richard and his wife Michi, their daughters Sakura, Kana and Chikara, and Carrie with her daughters Ellanora and Emmawynn. Throughout his life, Stuart was cheerful, enthusiastic and full of wit! He will be missed.