James Dudley (Jim) Middleton passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 28, 2020.
JD was born to W.C. and Lillie Middleton on December 21,
1935 in Mart, Texas. He graduated from
Mart High School in 1954 and went on to join the Third Battalion of the Marine
Corp.
Jim was a PRCA Steer Wrestler and won the Texas Circuit
Finals in 1975. He spent several years
traveling throughout the U.S. rodeoing with his closest friends. He later went on to judge youth rodeos and
served as the judge for the Bellmead Lions Club Rodeo for 25 years. His true love was breeding, training and
racing horses. He was known throughout
the Texas and Oklahoma tracks as a true horseman. JD served the people of Elk, Axtell and
Prairie Hill for over 40 years servicing and maintaining the rural water
systems.
He is survived by his wife Betty of Waco, Texas, his
daughter Kelly Middleton Shumake and husband Phillip of Grandview, Texas, his
daughter Tracy Bray of Red Rock, Texas, son Barry Hall, sister Janice Cockrell and
husband Tommy of Battle Lake, Texas and many nieces and nephews.
Pall bearers are Robert Mathis, Lee Cockrell, Max McGeary,
Henry Witt, Thomas Chane and John Emmitt Drews.
Honorary pall bearers are Bob Anz, Stell Waldrop, Jerry Chapman, Steve
Murphree and Neely Woodard.
Viewing will be October 1st from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
at the Bellmead Funeral Home. Services
are October 2nd at 10:30 am (family only due to COVID) with
graveside services immediately following at Waco Memorial Park for extended
family and friends. There will be a
Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm at the Prairie Hill Community Center in Prairie
Hill, Texas.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Jude
Children's Hospital.