James Hinkley Middleton was born September 14, 1938, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, to Burdette and Dorothy (Hinkley) Middleton. He was raised and educated in Eagle Grove, graduating with the “Class of 1956”.
Jim was united in marriage to Diane Dey on August 10, 1961 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Independence, Iowa. To this union they had one child, Troy.
Jim was a member of the National Guard in the 1960’s. Early on he worked for the family-owned.
Maplewood Dairy in Eagle Grove. He worked various jobs in insurance and transportation, serving as the Safety Director at both Umthun Trucking (18 years) and Ruan Trucking.
Jim was known to be a friend to everyone he met; he had an interest in cars and enjoyed his summertime fun in Clear Lake. He always stayed busy at “the farm”.
Jim passed away at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove, on Monday, May 26th, 2025 at the age of 86 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Troy Middleton; niece, Joy (Middleton) Niklasen, and grand-nephew, Kurt Reidy.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Diane Middleton; brother, John (Marilyn) Middleton; brother-in-law, Clark (Elaine) Dey; sister-in-law, Kay Bisinger; daughter-in-law, Sara Middleton; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
Memorial Services were at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove. Visitation was from 12 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.
