James Edward Carpenter, 68, of West Point, Iowa, passed away 7:36 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, unexpectedly due to cancer complications at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
He was born on Dec. 8, 1956, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Edward D. and Louise Kaufman Carpenter.
Survivors include his mother: Louise Pieper of Fort Madison; daughter: Doris Kempker of Donnellson; son: Wade Carpenter of Olds and sister: Kelly (Carl) Bergman of West Point. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father: Edward; step-father: Harry Pieper and nephew: Eric Bergman.
Jim attended Fort Madison High School until the age of seventeen when he enlisted in the United States Army. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, music and riding his motorcycle. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his mother.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A private family graveside service with full military rites will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison.
A memorial has been established in his memory and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 22, West Point, Iowa 52656.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements.