San José State University mourns the loss of James ‘Jim’ Carter, a revered All‑American offensive guard whose influence extended well beyond the football field.
Carter was a cornerstone of the Spartans’ 1986 California Bowl championship team and helped the program compile a 20‑4 record over the 1986 and 1987 seasons, a feat that earned him a place in the SJSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
After graduating, he built a diversified business portfolio that included founding Intero Real Estate Services in 2002, a firm that closed over a billion dollars in transactions and topped the Intero/Berkshire Hathaway Commercial division in 2019, as well as leading HomeSmiles Inc. to expand across six California locations.
An author of two titles, including *A Guide to MAKING IT in Real Estate*, Carter also co‑owned Dance Academy USA in Cupertino, growing it into one of the state’s largest dance schools with a staff of up to 200.
A Legacy Defined by Character
Carter’s philosophy centered on character and relationships, a principle that guided his corporate leadership, philanthropic giving, and personal interactions.
In 2023 he contributed a six‑figure gift to SJSU Athletics for the Habbas Law Athletics Center at CEFCU Stadium, underscoring his commitment to his alma mater.
Friends, family, and mentees remember him as a devoted father, grandfather, and community leader whose mentorship shaped countless lives.
His wife, Jane Carter, stands as a constant partner in both his personal and professional endeavors, embodying the values he championed.