James Monroe McCarter

James Monroe McCarter, known in his younger days to many simply as "Jimmy,"
passed away at 87 when the Lord called him home on November 11, 2025. Born July
12, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, to Beauford and Edna McCarter. Jeff and Edna Brown
raised him. James lived a whole life marked by hard work, friendship, and faith.
After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was in the 101st
Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. This is where he met his lifelong love,
Wanda Faye Travis, in Clarksville, TN. After serving 4 years in the army, James and
Faye married on November 30, 1958, and began their family life in San Antonio, TX.
The family then moved to Mesquite, TX, around 1970, where they lived until all of the
children were out of the house. They then moved to the country, Quinlan, TX, where
they lived the rest of their lives.
If you knew James for very long, you knew he was a faithful and loyal friend. For most
of his life, he was a long-haul truck driver, proudly known on the CB radio as "Little
Mack". He spent countless miles on the road, crisscrossing the United States to provide
for his family. Many times, Faye was able to travel with him, but I am sure we will never
know some of those stories!!
After retiring from trucking, he and Faye would load up the camper and head out to see
all the places they wanted to visit. He also found joy in serving the Lord by driving the
church van, making sure children could get to camp, to church, and safely back home
again. It was his way of giving back and continuing a life of service.
He was the proud father of five children and poured his energy into his family, his
community, and the causes he cared about. He spent many years coaching Mesquite
Pee-Wee Football as the Bulldogs' head coach, a role he held with great pride. Later in
life, due to his service in the United States Army, he served as Commander of the
AMVETS Post 10, honoring his commitment to veterans and service.
Those of you who knew James will remember him as an instigator or antagonist, always
looking for ways to provoke a reaction from you. He loved to have fun and "poke the
bear and run"! He laughed loudly and loved to make others smile, even at his own
expense!
James was preceded in death by his wife, Faye, his son, Mark, his brother Beauford,
and his parents, Edna and Jeff.
He is survived by four of his children: Randy and Glinda McCarter of Fruitvale, Texas;
Sandy and Jerry Mayfield of Atoka, Oklahoma; Jeff McCarter of Quinlan, Texas; and
Ronald and Britain McCarter of Forney, Texas.
He was "Pawpaw" to 16 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived
by nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish his memory.