James R. Carpenter Obituary

Of Sussex, died on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the age of 80 years. Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 24, 1942, a son of the late Richard and Dolores (nee Schneider) Carpenter. Following his graduation from Marquette High School, Jim went on to receive a BA from Marquette University and his MA from Aurora University. He married the love of his life Diana Hansmire on August 19, 1967.

For 37 years, Jim taught for the Brown Deer School District until his retirement in 2001. Jim was a well-liked and cherished educator who taught American History, Economics, and Social Studies at the high school. He would often, with great enthusiasm, ask his students to "take out a half sheet of paper" for a pop quiz. He was an active coach, who joyfully guided the Football and Wrestling teams, and he mentored and developed the Weight Room and Ironman program (and the infamous Ironman t-shirts). With his innate ability to never forget a student, Jim was coined "Mr. Brown Deer.". In 1993, he was awarded the Badger Meter-Teacher of the year. In addition, he was also an inductee to the Brown Deer Athletic Hall of Fame.

In his later years, Jim could be found; sharing a weekly breakfast with his buddies, enjoying a week up north on Little Spider Lake, or found in the cheering section of his grandchildren's sporting events cheering on both teams' successes.

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Diana Carpenter; children, Anne (Eric) Weishaar, Matthew (Molly) Carpenter, Thomas (Arie) Carpenter, Sarah Carpenter, Karyn (Josh) Marcil, and Michael (Anna) Carpenter; grandchildren, Callie, Greta, James, Sophia, Colton, Amelia, and Edison; siblings, Donna Carpenter, Charles Carpenter, Jeffrey (Donna) Carpenter. Jim is further survived by nieces, nephew, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.