We are requesting a name designation to the football facility at South St Paul Schools. Presently the football field itself is known as Ettinger Field, after a long time dedicated and beloved athletic staff member. The field proper would remain Ettinger Field to continue to honor Sam Ettinger.

We would like to honor the late Jim Carter, a 1966 SSPHS graduate by naming the football stadium after him. This is appropriate because Jim continued to express his love for SSP football by his continued financial contributions to the football program, even when he played for Green Bay. He was truly a SSP Packer forever.

Perhaps this Star Tribune writer describes Jim best.

“Jim Carter left this world after a brief illness, but on his own terms on November 23, 2023 He grew up in South St. Paul, played football at the University of Minnesota and then in Green Bay for the Packers. Jim was an imperfect man who worked every day to become a better one. Through his passionate engagement in Recovery, he was able to help many people find their way out of darkness. His level of commitment to help others who struggle with addiction was paramount in his life, and his impact was profound. He was a loyal friend and teammate to so many, and his thoughtfulness, generosity and sense of humor were legendary. He was tough but fair, and when his light shined on you, you were better for it.”

This assessment is confirmed by all who were closest to Jim.

While Jim was known to the world as a hard-nosed middle linebacker, he was so very much more to the many people he helped through their darkest times. Having lived through some challenging times himself, he always understood and empathized with those who were struggling. He was a man who worked on himself constantly to be better. He had generosity of spirit, as well as generosity with his material blessings.

We think this name designation will meet with approval by the community at large. We look forward to the SSP Packers playing on Ettinger Field in Jim Carter Stadium.