Beloved Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, OG, and friend, James Edry Carbonetto, 62, went into the presence of God and his Saviour Jesus Christ on March 21, 2025 at St Mary's Hospital in Tucson, AZ after a valiant battle with lung cancer.

James was born on February 12, 1963 to Dianne M Leiran and Anthony J Carbonetto (1937 - 1997) in Chicago, IL. Following high school James served his country in the United States Marine Corp. After leaving the Marine Corp in 1984, James held various jobs in sales as he was a salesman at heart! He was also gifted with his hands and could fix or build just about anything which ultimately led him to start his own business as a handyman and remodeler. As an avid student who had a hunger for learning, James received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology from Louisiana Baptist University and was in the process of getting his Doctorate when he fell ill in 2024.

James was a kind, giving, loving person who would help anyone and who would excitedly share his immense knowledge of just about any subject with anyone who needed it. A natural teacher who held his audience captive with his wit and humor. James came to truly know and trust Jesus in 2013 and quickly became a disciple of His teachings and the things of God which is when he started his studies in Theology. He would willingly share his testimony and love for Christ with anyone who wanted to know! James's life story is filled with the redemptive love and healing power of Jesus Christ and he was unashamed to share it. James loved the Arizona desert and ultimately made Tucson his home. He deeply loved his family and is survived by his children and stepchildren: Jamie (Daniel) Vandergriff, Anthony Fernandez, Nicolas Carbonetto, Lilliana (Ulysses) Loeza, Blanca (Alejandro) Esquivel, Karina (Matthew) Aldana-Mills, and Ricky (Elena) Calva-Aldana, as well as his mother, Dianne Leiran, his sisters, Debra Garcia and Anne Noble and his nephew Michael Noble, and nieces Alicia Garcia, Kayla “Sweat Pea” Noble-Katris, Christina Garcia and 2 beautiful great nephew's, Dino & Joey, who lovingly referred to him as OG (Original Grandpa).

James’s presence in this life will be truly missed, but for those of us that know Christ, we are grateful that we will see him again in heaven!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Tucson Central Church on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m.

Well done good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Middle Ground Prison Reform in James’s memory. For details email [email protected]