James Carter Johnson, age 57, of Shelby, North Carolina peacefully passed away on May 2, 2024 at Atrium Health-Cleveland.

Carter was the son of the late Monroe Garland Johnson Jr. and Gracie Macklin Johnson. He grew up in Shelby with a great community of family and friends he admired and adored, most of whom remained his friends throughout his entire life. From a very young age Carter followed in his father's footsteps, working at Cleveland Lumber Company and his family cattle farm in tandem with Garland. Carter graduated from Shelby High School in 1985 and went on to obtain undergraduate degrees from Haywood Technical Community College and Western Carolina University.

On May 16th, 1992, Carter married the love of his life, Sarah Elizabeth Jones, at his family farm in Gaffney. Their love for one another was unconditional and unwavering, and Carter considered his marriage to Sarah as one of the most sacred things in his life.

After his graduation from college, Carter went back to work at Cleveland Lumber, eventually serving as President following the retirement of his father. Carter regarded his role of leadership as an honor and a privilege, and considered many of his work colleagues as lifelong friends and confidants. In addition to his duties at Cleveland Lumber, Carter also oversaw day to day operations at his family cattle farm. The farm held a very special place in Carter's heart, often as a place where he could escape and find beauty and comfort in God's creation.

A noted conservationist and outdoorsman, Carter had a strong desire to share the peace and sanctity of nature with all of those around him. He found an outlet for his passion serving as a past member of Ducks Unlimited and as an active member of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. Carter was also a prominent member of Shelby Elks Lodge #1709, providing for him a way to give back to the community through numerous charitable events and causes.

Carter loved life and he loved every single one of his many friends. Among the things he enjoyed most were entertaining his friends at the lake, indulging on his famous "Carter cut" steaks, traveling with his family, listening to live music, and going on fishing trips with close companions. His calm and quiet demeanor, as well as his positive - "it's all good" - outlook on life will be sorely missed by all.

Outside of his friends, Carter was a devoted family man and beloved husband and father. He was immensely proud of both of his sons and always supported them in every way possible. Carter was the rock of his family and never missed an opportunity to express his feelings of love and gratitude toward those closest to him.

Most importantly, Carter had a deep relationship with God and was rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ. His quiet faith was evident with anyone who met him, as Carter was a man who spoke the gospel through his actions and in the way that he treated others with kindness and respect. Carter was a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church in Shelby.

Along with his loving wife Sarah, Carter is survived by his two sons, JC and Drew, his future daughter in law, Sally Huffman, his sister, Teresa Johnson Skidmore (Pete), and dozens of other family members and friends whom he adored. The family would also be remiss not to mention Carter's small family of canine companions he leaves behind, Silo, Kota, Maggie, and Mia.

Carter is predeceased by his mother, Gracie Johnson, his father, Monroe Garland Johnson Jr., and his special cousin John Charles Rose.

To honor the life of Mr. Carter Johnson, a memorial service will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Central United Methodist Church of Shelby. Rev. Clay Jones will offer words of encouragement for those in attendance. Following the service, there will be a reception at 3:00 PM at the LeGrand Center where friends and family will have the opportunity to speak in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Central United Methodist Church: 200 E. Marion St. Shelby, NC 28150 or The Elks National Foundation for Scholarships to local kids: 2750 N. Lakeview Ave. Chicago, Il 60614-2256

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the family.