For nearly 60 years, Montgomery native James “Jimmy” Carter made connections and informed audiences. The famed entertainment reporter kept working until the day before he died on October 13.
“A beloved father, Grandaddy, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Jimmy was a larger-than-life personality who never met a stranger and always had a story to tell,” his obituary states.
Carter’s family said he died in his sleep just two days shy of his 74th birthday.
Carter began his broadcasting career before he graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1970. He started working at a local rock station at 15. His family said he was always fascinated with music and radio, which led to a successful career in entertainment journalism that took him around the world and connected him with the most famous figures in entertainment.
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“Jimmy was a born reporter. From an early age, he had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him, a natural gift for conversation and a passion for being where the action was,” the obituary continues.
After graduating from high school, Carter attended Auburn University and helped establish the school’s first radio station. He later attended the University of Alabama, graduating in 1979.
His resume included ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” NBC, CBS, WSM-TV in Nashville and The Nashville Network. He attended Hollywood premieres and award shows and won many awards himself, including an Emmy.
“Over the years, Jimmy crossed paths with countless celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and many more,” his obituary explained. “Whether covering the Academy Awards, interviewing country music legends, or sharing the latest entertainment news, Jimmy had a front-row seat to history and loved every minute of it.”
Carter served as an adjunct professor at Belmont University’s Mike Curb School of Music.
Always willing to share his experiences, Carter influenced young journalists by taking them in and offering advice and sharing connections. Many journalists remained in contact with Carter throughout their careers and he was always just a phone call away.
His ability to make those special connections carried over to the airwaves, with listeners feeling he was more than a familiar voice, but an old friend.
Carter also served as a volunteer firefighter and licensed paramedic.
Carter’s funeral will be November 5 at St. Henry Church in Nashville. The full obituary is available online.
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- ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
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