John Wilson Carter, III succumbed to illness after a protracted, valiant battle on March 10, 2018. Surrounded by his precious, loving family, he passed on peacefully with grace at Sutter Medical Hospital in Sacramento CA.

A Florida native, John was born in St. Petersburg to John Wilson Carter, Jr. and Eugenia "Tutes" Carter on August 1, 1951. He had one cherished sister Pamela. The four joined extended Carter family for many happy times of his youth. There were trips to pristine beaches and lakes for camping and fishing with revered aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He served in the U.S. Air Force where he met his first wife Susan Draper. Life brought them to Smartsville, CA, where they had wonderful twins, a son and daughter.

Prior to John's musical career he did various construction jobs, taught pre-school and was a volunteer fireman. Not many men enter the arena of Early Childhood Ed. and he excelled in enriching his classes. When John started playing his original music for them it was quickly embraced. The phenomenal response and demand for his talents throughout local schools and the community changed his life's path.

John taught preschool with Ardith Harriger who later became his wife. They shared an extraordinary union for nearly 34 years and steadfastly supported each other in the best of ways. They were blessed with a son and daughter. John's children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. The greatest happiness he enjoyed in life was his family. (He became a dear integral member of the Harriger clan too.)

John could combine his teaching and musical gifts to impact children's lives in a positive meaningful way. John immensely loved interacting with them in his storytelling style.

At the time it took courage to leave a teaching job for an uncertain future-relying entirely on his talents, "a one man show." How fortunate for anyone touched by his efforts that he made that choice.

Once exposed to John's songs it didn't take long for children young and old to respond, know his words and sing along. "Mister Carter" was always heartened thru the years when formerly entertained kids returned to his events as adults, often with their children. Their expression of fond memories and valued effect on their lives meant the world to him.

John performed for many local venues, as well as statewide, including: schools, libraries, museums, Bishop's Pumpkin Farm, county fairs, festivals, Yuba City Stroll, family gatherings and birthday parties, also campfires at Oregon House 'Thousand Trails' for nearly 30 years.

John along with his best friend Ed Lewis, held workshops throughout California to help teachers integrate music into the classroom.

John Began playing the guitar his grandmother gave him and was self-taught. Later, his passion for composing and sharing his music launched a happy successful career for decades. For so many he truly became a local treasure. He will be greatly missed, but luckily his music will live on!

John is survived by his wife Ardith; sons, John and Elliott (Erika); daughters, Amanda (Jason) and Lenora (Alvey); grandson, Jason; granddaughter, Avery; sister-in-law; Evelyn; brothers-in-law, George, Johm and Bob; Florida cousins and extended Harriger family. John is preceded in death by his mother and father.

Memorial Service: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Yuba City on Friday, March 23, 2018, at 3:30 pm. Children are welcome. Burial will be private at Gridley-Biggs Cemetery. The family suggests donations to: American Heart Association. Arrangements are through Lipp and Sullivan Funeral Directors.
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