Jonathan Van Carpenter

J Van Carpenter, 74, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family October 27th, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on October 16, 1951, Van was the son of John Ferrell Carpenter and Frances Upchurch Carpenter, and brother to Cindi Johnson. A proud graduate of Needham Broughton High School, Van served as drum major and trumpet player, leading the band with the charisma that would later define his life. Earning a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina, he continued as drum major of the Marching Gamecocks, bringing the band to national recognition during multiple bowl games in the early 1970s. He received his B.A. in Political Science and a Master’s in Media Arts from USC.

Van served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Byrd and USS Peterson. Later in his career as a Public Affairs Officer, he coordinated the national campaign for the Naval Reserve’s 75th Anniversary. Van retired after more than twenty years of service with the rank of Commander.

In civilian life, Van combined his leadership and creativity in marketing and public relations for major corporations including IBM, Fujitsu, and The Cooper Group. Between corporate stints, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit through his company Innovative Solutions, providing creative marketing and communications counsel to regional and national businesses.

Deeply devoted to his community, Van served for decades at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, choir member, and band musician. His faith expressed itself through service — from CropWalk and Habitat for Humanity projects to countless youth mission trips and outreach programs. He was also an Admiral in the Swift Creek Navy, assisting in its creation to raise awareness for environmental preservation along Cary’s waterways and supporting early efforts to establish the town’s Greenway system.

In 1995, Governor James B. Hunt Jr. awarded Van the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his leadership in promoting the state’s emerging broadband “information superhighway,” his environmental work with the North Carolina Chapter of Keep America Beautiful, and his collaboration with the Governor’s Office on the North Carolina Highway Beautification Project.

Van’s humor was both a signature and a service. Known affectionately as “Wildman Van,” he could defuse any tense meeting or liven any gathering with his endless trove of pirate jokes, sleight-of-hand magic, or a perfectly timed quip. He was a lifelong “food pusher,” never happier than when offering guests a second helping or surprising friends and coworkers with flowers and candy — small gestures that carried his immense heart.

Van is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Carpenter; his three sons, Adam Carpenter, Jared Carpenter (wife Megan), and Zane Carpenter; two granddaughters, Margaux and Maren; his sister Cindi Johnson (husband Lee); and a wide circle of family, shipmates, friends, and neighbors who will carry forward his joy, generosity, and gentle mischief.

Memorial followed by a Celebration Reception will be held this Sunday November 2nd - 2pm at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church - 3000 East Garner Rd. Raleigh, NC 27610

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home - Garner.