James VanWyck Carpenter

James VanWyck Carpenter

​With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved, James “Muskrat” Carpenter, on July 13, 2024 at the age of 48.  He brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart, infectious smile, boundless imagination and artistic talent.  Although a very private person, at times to a fault, James was endlessly entertaining. He delighted in grossing people out, or in making them laugh their butts off.  He was loyal and true, compassionate, and sensitive to others’ pain.  Often going to great lengths to help his friends in any way they needed, from the sublime to the seemingly ridiculous.  He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.  His loss is truly and deeply felt.


James was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Carpenter.  He is survived by his mother, Sharon; his siblings Shelly, Ariana, and Erin; his nieces and nephew, Isabella, Darcy, and Zane; his Aunt Caroline; cousins Katherine and David; and many other cousins, aunts and uncles.  Former husband of Rachele; best friend to Amber, Miguel, and Jaeden; a loyal Brother-Friend and friend to so many that it’s not possible to list all, but you know who you are - and so does he;  people from Texas, across the country, and beyond.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, James grew up in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, with relatives from Virginia to California.  He graduated from Trinity High School in Euless, TX in 1993; and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2018. He worked his little tush off for that!

James was always an artist.  From the time he was 2 & 1/2 through all his school years, he continued to create a fury of incredible works of art.  He left behind an abundance of drawings, paintings, and sculptures, into which he poured his singular personality, heart, and passion.  Always courageous creatively, James pushed himself constantly as an artist.  He was, is, and ever shall be, an inspiration to so many.   

A Celebration of Life of our unforgettable James “Muskrat”, will be held on August 10 at 2:00pm, at the home of Amber and Miguel Valdez in Hurst, TX, where friends and family are invited to remember a life that was truly a gift to us all. 

In lieu of flowers, if you are able to, please donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://supporting.afsp.org/

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