James E. Carpenter, 80, of Loda and formerly of Chebanse passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Miller Health Care Center in Kankakee. He was born on June 16, 1945 in Kankakee, a son of Clifford and Ethel (Elliot) Carpenter and they preceded him in death in addition to his step-father, Richard Hopkins; one son, Timothy and one daughter, Kelly Barr.

 

He married Charlene Hemp on January 5, 1966 in Watseka and she survives in Loda. Also surviving are one son, Gregory (Deanne) Carpenter of Bourbonnais; one daughter, Kim White of Bourbonnais; daughter-in-law, Laura Carpenter; son-in-law, Mike Barr; eight grandchildren, Justin Hendrickson, Logan (Brittany) Hendrickson, Levi Hendrickson, Chandler Carpenter, Christin Carpenter, Zachary Carpenter, Josette Carpenter and Jonah Hendrickson; four great-grandchildren, Oakley, Aysa, Evan and Elodie Hendrickson; and one sister, Janice Faulkner of Ashkum.

 

Mr. Carpenter was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. James was the owner and operator of Carpenter Automotive, Jim’s Texaco in Chebanse and Ashkum Standard Station. He loved golfing and bass fishing.

 

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Rev. Benjamin Hayter officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Chebanse with military graveside rites by the Chebanse American Legion.

 

Memorials may be made to Uplifted Hospice or Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.

 

Please share a memory of James at knappfuneralhomes.com.