James Middleton

James R. Middleton

James R. Middleton, 83 of Kirksville passed away Saturday (January 18, 2014) at his home.

The son of Charles and Catherine Leota (McGuigan) Middleton, he was born January 10, 1931 in East St. Louis, IL. He was united in marriage to Barbara Blacksmith and to this united two children were born, Charles and Alan. On October 7, 1963 in Rock Island, IL he was united in marriage to Lavern L. Shores and to this union two children were born James and Catherine.

James is survived by three children, Charles Middleton of Novinger, MO, James F. Middleton of Kirksville and Catherine Leota (Steve) Varner of Osage Beach, MO; and five grandchildren, Jeremiah and Brad Middleton, Cody, Ryan and Cathleen Varner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lavern on June 7, 2002, his parents, one son, Alan on March 19, 2011 and three brothers, Lloyd, Thomas and Edward.

James worked for the SantaFe Railroad until going to work for J.B. Hunt where he operated heavy equipment. He returned to this area where he was the owner and operator of Northeast Missouri Trenching until he retired. He enjoyed spending time visiting with family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday (January 24, 2014) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Maple Hills Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Allmon, Ed Campbell, Danny Welte, Corbin Rowland, Steve Varner, Donnie Sparks, Jimmy Middleton and Charles Middleton.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E. Shepherd Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233