Jimmy Fred Carty was born on November 23, 1935 in Mulberry, Arkansas to Fred Hudson Carty and Dolly Mae Kizer Carty. He went to be with his Lord on Monday, June 6, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 86 years. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration and later served honorably in the US Army. Jim received his Masters of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988.
On November 24, 1957, he married Marilyn Ann Smither. Jim worked for Oertle’s and Sears Roebuck until 1970, when he felt God’s call to full-time ministry. Later that year he was called to First Baptist Church, Collinsville as Minister of Education and Youth. At FBC, he built an extensive Vacation Bible School program and developed a robust youth ministry that impacted the lives of countless teens over the next thirty-plus years. He engaged kids with activities such as Falls Creek summer camp, Tulakogee, Mission tours, bible studies and lock-ins. He loved to drop by the schools at lunchtime to visit with students. It didn’t matter if they attended his church, or any church. He was just there to let them know that someone cared about them.
He eventually took on the Senior Adult ministry, which included regular excursions to Branson and the creation of popular activities such as Big E night, the Widow’s luncheon and Chow & Chatter. He ultimately retired from FBC in 2007, after 2 previous failed attempts. In retirement he continued teaching Sunday School, as well as Bible studies at local retirement homes. A teacher at heart, he never tired of sharing the Bible with others.
Jim enjoyed attending Collinsville Cardinals football, basketball and baseball games. He also loved watching his Arkansas Razorbacks and the St Louis Cardinals. At Christmastime, he took great pleasure in his creating his holiday light display. Above all, he loved his Lord and his family. He adored his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and would share their exploits with anyone who would listen. For the last several years he was dedicated to the care of his beloved wife Marilyn, who passed away in October 2021.
Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 10, 2022, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Collinsville First Baptist Church, Collinsville, Oklahoma. Interment will be held at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
