MILTON - James Lee Carpenter, of Milton, passed into eternity peacefully, from his home, on Sunday morning, Aug. 8, 2010. He was 77. James was born Oct. 11, 1932, at home on Chestnut Street in Milton. Raised in town, he graduated from Milton High School in 1950. That same year, James' parents purchased a farm outside of Milton where James would spend the remainder of his life realizing his childhood dream of farming. He earned the FFA Degrees of State Farmer and American Farmer, and tilled the soil along side his wife and family for 61 years. James promoted agriculture through his daily work and for a season as a delegate and vice president of the Sussex County Farm Bureau. Although farming was his profession, James' purpose in life was determined by a decision he made on March 6, 1952. He gave his heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ and diligently lived out that commitment over the next 58 years. James was a founding member of The Grace Church in Milton, where he served as an elder, superintendent and teacher. He was also a founding member of Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown, where he served in the altar ministry. He will be remembered for his passion for his God, his family, and the land. James was preceded in death by his father and mother, James Henry and Ida Mae Carpenter; his sister, Helen Mae Argo; and his daughter, Jean Marie Carpenter Lowe. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 52 years, Lina Clifton Carpenter; his daughter, Gail Betts and her husband Rick, of Georgetown; his son, James Carpenter, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Milton; his daughter, Kay Dukes and her husband Jeff, of Milton; and grandchildren, Allen Betts, Andrew Betts, Aaron Betts, Sarah Lowe, Jessica Carpenter, James Carpenter, III, Justin Carpenter, Jeremy Carpenter, Philip Dukes and Katie Dukes. Services will be held 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, where friends may call Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday after noon. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Crossroad Community Church. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.