ROCKPORT — James R. Carleton, Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast.

Born in Bath, May 26, 1934, he was one of five children born to William H. and Carrie G. Raffa Carleton. He was educated in local Rockport schools.

Jim joined the army in 1955 and served his country proudly until his honorable discharge in 1957. After the Army he worked many jobs, but his favorite was working as a vending machine operator.

While Jim was home on leave in 1956, he married the love of his life, Janice Watts. They spent 64 years together until Janice’s passing in 2020. In 1958, they welcomed their only child, James Jr., to the world. They started their family in the Rockport area living in many different homes before residing in their final home next to their son and daughter-in-law, Sue. This gave Jim the opportunity to make many memories and watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

Jim and Janice became winter snowbirds traveling to Boca Grande, Florida for 9 years while working at the Gasparilla Inn and Club.

Jim was a long-time life member of the Rockland Elks Club having been a member for over 55 years. Jim loved sports and enjoyed playing softball and basketball in the Rockland Rec Leagues. For many years, Jim enjoyed bowling in various leagues at Oakland Park Lanes.

Other than his parents, James was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Janice Watts Carleton; his sisters, Ann Barnard, Frances Ludwick, Grace Higgins; and a brother, William Carleton, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Jim Jr. and his wife Sue of Rockport; granddaughters, Ashley Carleton of Rockport, Kayla Carleton Heal and her husband Travis of Rockland; three great-grandchildren, Madison Shoudy, Emma and Colton Heal; his closest friends, Stewart Rogers, Wilbur “Henry” Jacobs, Elmer Prentiss, Vince Pine; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter, and Hutchins Funeral Home, at 110 Limerock Street in Rockland. All are welcome to attend the interment at Seaview Cemetery in Rockport immediately following visiting hours.

To share a memory or condolence with the Carleton family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.