James Leo (Jimmy) Carter of La Plata, MD, departed this life on March 23, 2014 at Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, MD. James was born on November 8, 1942 to the late Joseph Lorenzo and the late Alberta Adell Carter of La Plata, MD.

James received his first religious training at St. Matthews United Methodist Church and was a faithful member of the church. He was educated in the Charles County School system and took multiple courses to certify him to operate many types of heavy equipment. James retired from the State Highway Administration in 2004 after 37 years of exemplary service.

A truly gifted musician, one of his greatest joys was playing his beloved guitar for the Senior Choir of St. Matthews and the Shiloh Community Men's Chorus. James also played for several gospel bands in the region, including the Voices of Harmony, Gospel Disciples of Southern Maryland, and the Harmonizers to name a just few. His guitars and harmonica were never far from his side.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Roger Barnes and James Calvin (Tricky) Brooks, and sisters; Pearl Carter and Martha Rosier. Loved by all he came in contact with, James leaves to cherish his memory daughters; Tanya Dorsey (Melvin) and Connie Bullock (Terrence), sisters; Alice Lucille Tolson and Janett Carter, brothers; Herman Carter, Thomas Chisley and Jerome Lyles; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and very special lifelong friends and fellow musicians.

His Viewing will be held from 8:30am until time of Service 10:00am on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, MD 20646. Interment St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Newtown, MD.

The services have been entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.