James A. Middleton

James Alan \u0027Jim\u0027 Middleton, 44, of Cottonwood died August 13. He was born December 9, 1960 in Douglas, Wyoming. He grew up on the family ranch in Wyoming. Jim graduated from high school in 1978. He rode saddle broncos in his 20\u0027s and 30\u0027s and worked as a pick up man at rodeos. His family owned a construction firm where he learned how to operate heavy equipment. He moved to Arizona in 1993. He worked as a construction superintendent in Phoenix for Arcon, Inc. Jim owned a softtail custom, but sold it to concentrate on racing his sand drag jeep. The whole family could enjoy it and participate. He finished second in the Fast Track Racing Association in the 2004 season. Jim had many long-term friends in Cottonwood and Phoenix who he enjoyed spending time with. He enjoyed going to the sand dunes in Glammus, California with family and friends to play in the sand. Jim liked travel and explore backwoods in his jeep. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Darla Middleton; two daughters, Nicole Middleton, age 19 and Jennifer Middleton, age 18, both of Cottonwood, officially adopted them in 2004 but raised them as his own since 1994; his mother, Peggy Middleton, father, James \u0027Bud\u0027 Raymond Middleton and brother Jeff Middleton who stll live on the Wintermote Ranch outside of Douglas, Wyoming. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 19 in the Westcott Funeral Home at 1 PM. An on line guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com