James G. "Jim" Carpenter Jr., age 56 of Portage passed away Thursday December 19, 2013. He was born on October 14, 1957 in Gary, Indiana to the late James G and Mary P. Carpenter. He was a longtime Portage resident and a member of Real Life Community Church. He retired from U.S. Steel after 35 years of service. He was also the owner of Portage Aquatics Tropical Fish Store. Jim served as Vice-President for Portage Jr. Miss Softball and also took the first team to the NSA World Series. He also served as a Team Captain and sat on the Board for Portage Relay for Life. The Jim G. Carpenter Foundation was started in his honor. He was an inspiration to many.
He is survived by his wife, Deb Carpenter (Nee Handley) of Portage, IN; 2 daughters, Emily and Denise Carpenter both of Portage, IN.
He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Linda Pollock, Judith Paulette Burkett, and Barbara Silkwood.
Funeral services are Friday, December 27, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Rev. Duane Schmidt and Rev Bob Burton officiating. Cremation will follow with Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Visitation is Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage. Call (219) 762-3013 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.