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In Memory Of James Carpenter Classic IndyCar Series Racer

James carpenter indycar series

As a mark of respect, we honor our sim racing friends and partners. In memory of James Carpenter from Classic IndyCar Series.

There are times when sim racing is so strong and unified that we are like family. Many a time have I been a massive supporter of those that attend events and those I support.

It is with great sadness of the recent passing of a member of the Classic IndyCar Series, a league partner of ours here at simrace247.com. On request as a mark of respect to those we support, we have the voice in the sim racing community to honor our friends and members. With respect to family, league members and friends this is something I believe in.

James carpenter indycar series

Carpenter Family official

James (Jim) Rodney Carpenter, age 66, of Acworth, GA, escaped the restrictions of the mortal world on Wednesday, September 8th, 2021. Jim was born on July 28th, 1955 in Lafayette, Georgia and lit the world on fire with his honesty, grace, perseverance, and genuine love until his untimely passing.

Jim’s gregarious nature allowed him to excel in everything he attempted; excelling in school, sports, business, carpentry, home construction (in fact, Jim was so committed to remodeling his home, he once nailed his hand to the ceiling; you know, to become “one” with the house), you name it, there was nothing Jim couldn’t do.

Jim attributed his success to one basic philosophy: “to approach each endeavor caring about people first.” He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love.

Jim is survived by wife his of 21 years, Brande, who was the love of his earthly life and is his soulmate.. He is also survived by daughter Rochelle Carpenter-Ensworth and her husband Chris; son, Derrick Carpenter and his wife Emilie; granddaughters, Alexis Kilpatrick, Savanah Kilpatrick, Emilie Ensworth, grandson Landon Carpenter; sister Laura Ann Whitlock and her husband David; niece Amanda Whitlock-Brendel; nephew Jacob Whitlock, his beloved cats, Lily and Louie (yes, they were in fact his children and he treated them as such), and a completely unfinished bathroom. Additionally, Jim leaves behind everyone who knew him, anyone he casually crossed paths with, Jim knew no stranger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Benson Carpenter and Laura Carpenter, brother Daryl Carpenter, and a 1972 Hot Rod car he parted with to ensure the safety of his daughter, Rochelle.

Jim graduated from Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia, where it is believed two of his teachers took early retirement after having had him as a student. Jim was always inquisitive and questioned everything. Jim was extremely intelligent and often would need an outlet. He put John Travolta to shame as it is a fact that Jim was the best Saturday Night Live Disco dancer.

He met the love of his life, Brande, telling her at one point, he was employed as a crash test dummy. Jim’s sense of humor, along with his knack for writing and storytelling won her over; Brande and Jim wed in December of 1999. A perfect start to new beginnings as they rang in the new year as newlyweds. There was never a doubt, Brande and Jim were destined to be together.

He lived 1000 years in the 66 calendar years we had with him because he attacked life; he grabbed it by the tire, kissed it, and threw it back on the racetrack. Racing cars was one of Jim’s biggest passions. In 1989-1990 Jim was an avid dirt track racer and was so accomplished, he was sponsored by Coca Cola.

James carpenter indycar series

Not only did he race with a strategy to win, but he also developed a method to crash strategically if he knew a crash was inevitable. He would angle the car in a way to only damage parts he knew he could afford. He was always thinking.

Jim’s strategic thinking led him to his second passion, computers. Jim had an uncanny sense of how to make electronics work and used this skill to start building computers, one that could even talk, operating systems which have been purchased world-wide, various online businesses.

He was a master with eBay, building an extremely successful business, anything electronic, Jim was the go to man. As with all electronics, Jim was acutely aware of the need to keep all of his electronic information safe.

So safe, in fact, while he was in the hospital, Brande spent one week figuring out how to make the television and WiFi work. Again, he was always thinking. Thinking so much, he eventually put pen to paper.

Jim loved poetry and had a talent for writing. He wrote often and a book of all of his original poems was published. A wonderful keepsake for all those he leaves behind.

Jim will be extremely missed by his family and all who knew him. Though there is no doubt, he’s already racing cars, writing books, and watching over his loved ones. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Winkenhofer Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Ga.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, September 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.winkenhoferpineridgefuneralhome.com for the Carpenter family.

Contributions: Jim was an avid supporter in finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis as his daughter, Rochelle, has been battling this horrible disease. Memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd Center by visiting www.shepherd.org

Robert Grosser Founder Of Classic IndyCar Series

James joined the Classic Indycar Series in February 2021. Besides the 2 pre-season races he raced with us at Phillip Island, Kansas, Motegi, Watkins Glen and Richmond. His season highlight must have been without a doubt P3 in the Kansas Qualifying!

Rod appeared to be a gentleman racer, who had no issues with racing usually behind the mid-pack, always playing fair. His son Derrick told us, that Rod has been very happy to be accepted into this league and that he was even building a dedicated sim at his home just to be able to enjoy our common hobby.

All this at an age of above 60. He also joined our Discord and gave advice and help especially for computer related things. It is safe to say that Rod would have liked to stay in this league for much longer and we would have been very happy to have him with us, having a chance to know each other better and sharing our love for sim-racing.

It is always sad when we lose someone who was part of our community. I was very happy to hear from his son Derrick, that Rod enjoyed his time in CIS a lot. He has been taken from us way too early.

Rest in peace Rod.

 

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Darren Buckner

Darren Buckner

Darren became a member of Simrace247 in January 2021 and has been a valuable addition to the platform ever since. He began his journey as an Editor and has progressed to the position of Editor in Chief, owing to his unwavering commitment and hard work. With his profound interest in motorsport and gaming, Darren is passionate about sharing news and exceptional content with like-minded people worldwide.View Author posts