James Carter Obituary

GRAND RAPIDS -- James F. Carter, a longtime Wood County commissioner and former mayor of Grand Rapids whose public service spanned more than four decades, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at his home in Grand Rapids. He was 86.

Mr. Carter was appointed to an unexpired term on the Wood County Board of Commissioners in July 1995 and was elected to his first full term the following year. He later served as president of the board, earning a reputation for his approachable leadership style and preference for collaboration over formality. He often noted that he replaced his large office desk with a small round table so he could "sit down next to people and talk."

Before joining the county board, Mr. Carter served as mayor of Grand Rapids for 16 years, following earlier service on the Grand Rapids Village Council beginning in 1969 and on the Wood County Board of Education. His decades of leadership across local institutions reflected a deep commitment to community and to practical, people-centered governance.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Carter served in the Army's air defense branch, earning the rank of Specialist 5th Class and specializing in surface-to-air missile systems. After returning home, he joined the Grand Rapids American Legion Post 232 while continuing to serve the public as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Grand Rapids Fire Department.

Outside of government, Mr. Carter built a 32-year career with the Toledo Edison Co., where he managed the Power Systems Department, overseeing a $4 million budget and a staff of 43 across a 2,500-square-mile service area. He attended the University of Toledo College of Engineering and completed the University of Michigan's Manager of Managers program.

His civic involvement extended widely across Wood County. He served on the Wood County Fair Foundation Board, the Wood County Hospital Board of Directors and the Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors, as well as 43 years with his hometown's Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest. He was chairman of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments in 1999 and received the Spirit of Wood County Award in 1993 for self-government. He was inducted into the American Legion Buckeye Boys State Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Otsego Hall of Fame in 2023.

During his time in office, Mr. Carter helped guide major projects, including installation of the Grand Rapids village sewer system, restoration of the Wood County Courthouse and construction of an atrium linking three county government buildings. He also played a role in bringing Bass Pro Shops to the region.

Mr. Carter often emphasized the importance of balance between growth and preservation. "It's also very important that we do not neglect agriculture in this county in an effort to spur economic development," he once said. "Our blend of industry, agriculture and education has served us well in providing a high quality of life for past and current generations, and I want to make sure that we preserve this quality for future generations."

Upon his retirement in 2015, he reflected on his years in public life, writing, "It has been a tremendous honor to be a part of Wood County's success over the years."

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Carter was a familiar face at the Wood and Henry County Sportsman Alliance, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and sharing his love of conservation.

Mr. Carter married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Parsons, in 1958. The couple made their home in Grand Rapids, where they raised their family and remained deeply involved in community life.

He is survived by his wife; daughters Debbie (Gary) Archambo and Patti (Steve) Bisher; grandchildren Jason (Anika) Brown, Dustin (Leah) Brown, Lydia Archambo and her fiancé, Tyler Nason; Branden (Cherish) Bisher; and Nicole Bisher; and great-grandchildren Jalen, Rhyan and Remy Brown; Riley and Brayden Bisher; and Charlotte and Sullivan Miller. Also surviving is his sister, Marie Powell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Henrietta Carter; sisters Arlene Wright, Doris Shock, Mildred Brown, Jeane Thomas and Judy Gallup; and his baby sister, Mary Carter.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Nazareth Hall, 21211 W. River Rd., Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522, and will include a firefighters' "Last Alarm" service. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Nazareth Hall, officiated by the Rev. Scott Carman, followed by military honors at Beavercreek Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Habegger Funeral Services. Donations in memory of Mr. Carter may be made to Grand Rapids Calvary Church.