Jake Carter

Jake Carter, 76 of Amarillo died Wednesday May 14, 2008 at the Thomas E. Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Amarillo. Jake was born March 20, 1932 in Youngstown, OH to FJ and Mary Carter. The family moved to Phoenix, AZ where he graduated from Phoenix Union, High School. He continued his education at Arizona State University and through the U.S. Air Force. Jake volunteered to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was honorable discharged in 1954. He married Marjorie Carter in 1954. Together they raised 5 children. Jake's natural talents, abilities and intelligence allowed him to work as a self taught design engineer in a number of fields involving drilling rigs in the oil industry, ambulance design, military hardware and many others. He looked forward every morning to drinking coffee and visiting with the many officers of the Amarillo Police Department. He greatly respected them and was honored to call them his friends. Jake was a resident of Independence Village. He was proud of the assistance he could provide to his friends and neighbors. He was also very appreciative of the assistance he received from them. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Dalhart, but leaves behind a large spiritual family that crosses all denominational lines. He was a vibrant, intelligent man who never met a stranger. His unique personality and sense of humor will be greatly missed. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his 5 grandchildren, visiting cherished friends and serving his Lord and Savior. Jake was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Gerry Carter and Johanna Houser and his beloved daughter, Jeanette Kay. He is survived by 2 daughters, Diane Fine of Wimberley and Nancy Carter of Monahans; 2 sons, Michael Carter of Belton and Matthew Carter of Goodwell, OK., At Jakes request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.