John Harold Carter
February 10th, 1933 - December 15th, 2024
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John's Obituary
A life well-lived, indeed!
It’s with sorrow and gratitude that we announce the passing of Dr. John Carter on December 15, 2024. A man of boundless energy, humor, and compassion, John left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Born on February 10, 1933, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, John was destined for greatness from the start—though he'd tell you he was just a kid with a knack for hard work and an insatiable curiosity. After graduating from Western Michigan University, John earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1957, setting the stage for a remarkable career in medicine.
During his time in Ann Arbor, fate intervened when John met Barbara Bailey, a nurse, with a heart as big as his ambitions. They married in 1956 and embarked on a partnership spanning 68 wonderful years. From their first chapter in Greenville, SC—where John served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force—to their decades in the Twin Cities, the Carters built a life full of adventure, service, and love.
John wasn’t just a doctor; he was a trailblazer. He co-founded Cedarwood Medical Center in 1972, created the Medicaid Clinic, and established the ICU at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, MI. Patients didn’t just see John as their doctor—they saw him as their advocate, confidant, and friend.
John served on many boards throughout his life, giving back to the community he loved so much.
John’s second great love was the Michigan Wolverines. For decades, he and Barb cheered from their coveted 45-yard line season ticket seats. His other passions included golf, fishing, skiing, and planning family vacations, and a stiff Manhattan.
John cherished his friends and the moments they shared, cultivating relationships that brought joy and meaning to his life. Whether it was on the golf course, tennis courts, at the country club, or during unforgettable vacations.
Though his professional accolades could fill a book, John’s proudest legacy was his family. Together with Barbara, he raised four children who carry forward his passion for life, sense of humor, and fierce love for family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he reveled in every moment spent with them—whether it was holidays, weddings, or simply swapping stories at the dinner table.
John is survived by his wife Barbara; his children, Susan (Michael) Cox, Tom (Debbie) Carter, Elizabeth Flood (partner Brad Wood), and Todd (Barby) Carter; his six grandchildren, Christopher Cox (fiancée Rachel Jewell), Patrick (Gaew) Flood, Michael Carter, Connor Flood, Megan Flood, and Jackson Carter (Kee); his two great-grandchildren, Oliver Patrick Flood and Rowan Estelle Carter; and his sister, Sharalee Wilson.
He is reunited with his parents, Nick and Arline Carter, and Delvin and Clara Bailey.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Father Jack Pfifer officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with military honors presented by Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Friends may visit with John’s family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Caring Circle Hospice, United Way of Southwest Michigan, PO Box 288, St. Joseph MI 49085 or Lest We Forget. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
It’s with sorrow and gratitude that we announce the passing of Dr. John Carter on December 15, 2024. A man of boundless energy, humor, and compassion, John left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Born on February 10, 1933, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, John was destined for greatness from the start—though he'd tell you he was just a kid with a knack for hard work and an insatiable curiosity. After graduating from Western Michigan University, John earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1957, setting the stage for a remarkable career in medicine.
During his time in Ann Arbor, fate intervened when John met Barbara Bailey, a nurse, with a heart as big as his ambitions. They married in 1956 and embarked on a partnership spanning 68 wonderful years. From their first chapter in Greenville, SC—where John served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force—to their decades in the Twin Cities, the Carters built a life full of adventure, service, and love.
John wasn’t just a doctor; he was a trailblazer. He co-founded Cedarwood Medical Center in 1972, created the Medicaid Clinic, and established the ICU at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, MI. Patients didn’t just see John as their doctor—they saw him as their advocate, confidant, and friend.
John served on many boards throughout his life, giving back to the community he loved so much.
John’s second great love was the Michigan Wolverines. For decades, he and Barb cheered from their coveted 45-yard line season ticket seats. His other passions included golf, fishing, skiing, and planning family vacations, and a stiff Manhattan.
John cherished his friends and the moments they shared, cultivating relationships that brought joy and meaning to his life. Whether it was on the golf course, tennis courts, at the country club, or during unforgettable vacations.
Though his professional accolades could fill a book, John’s proudest legacy was his family. Together with Barbara, he raised four children who carry forward his passion for life, sense of humor, and fierce love for family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he reveled in every moment spent with them—whether it was holidays, weddings, or simply swapping stories at the dinner table.
John is survived by his wife Barbara; his children, Susan (Michael) Cox, Tom (Debbie) Carter, Elizabeth Flood (partner Brad Wood), and Todd (Barby) Carter; his six grandchildren, Christopher Cox (fiancée Rachel Jewell), Patrick (Gaew) Flood, Michael Carter, Connor Flood, Megan Flood, and Jackson Carter (Kee); his two great-grandchildren, Oliver Patrick Flood and Rowan Estelle Carter; and his sister, Sharalee Wilson.
He is reunited with his parents, Nick and Arline Carter, and Delvin and Clara Bailey.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Father Jack Pfifer officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with military honors presented by Stevensville American Legion Post 568. Friends may visit with John’s family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. A time of sharing will be held at 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Caring Circle Hospice, United Way of Southwest Michigan, PO Box 288, St. Joseph MI 49085 or Lest We Forget. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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