James "Jim" Middleton

James Middleton died September 14, 2021 at the age of 78 from health complications related to a fall. Born October 2, 1942 in Mason, Ohio to Theodore “Bud” and Eleanora (nee Boland) Middleton, Jim was exactly the middle child of 13 siblings.

Jim’s first job at age 10 was working at Barr’s store. After graduating from Mason High School in 1960, he went on to be a meat cutter at Lehr’s Meats. He retired from Tyson.

Jim was known as a straight-faced jokester. As a meat cutter at Lehr’s, when a customer would ask for chicken legs, he’d ask in all seriousness, “Front leg or back leg?” and get a kick of them stopping to think about it for a minute.

In 1966, Jim married Judy Price, she died February 17, 1991. In 1993, he married Carol (nee Short) Helderbrand. Jim’s work allowed him and Carol to take many memorable trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Scotland, and the Mediterranean as well as their favorite summer vacation spot on the Gulf Coast. As their family grew, they enjoyed Christmas parties with their children and grandchildren. After retirement, Jim led a quieter life at home.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol; children and stepchildren: Robin (John) Wientge, Heather (Scott) Archer, Guy (Kathleen) Middleton, Cathy (Randy) Himes and Justin Helderbrand; grandchildren Tiffany, Bethany, Josh, Megan, Nick, Katie H, Jack, Katie M, McKenzie, Morghan and Madysen; and 9 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his siblings Ida Mae, Don, Beverly, Barbara, Tim and Tom, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, Dick, Dale, Bill, Teddy, and sister Clara, and step-daughter Carolyn.

The family of Jim will be receiving friends for a visitation at Shorten and Ryan Funeral Home (400 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040) on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.  A funeral service will take place the following day, Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 AM.  There are no Covid restrictions, we encourage you to follow protocol as you see fit and what is most comfortable to you and your family.  Donations may be made in honor of Jim to the Alzheimer's Association.