James W. Middleton's Obituary
James W. “Jimmy” Middleton, 88, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2013. A World War II Army veteran, he served in Germany, Belgium and France and received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. In 1954 Jimmy began his career as a watch repair and Jewelry Operator in Lowensteins Dept. Store. After leaving Lowensteins in 1968, he opened James Middleton Jewelers in the Baker’s Big Star Grocery Store. In 1981, the business moved to Eastgate Shopping Center, where in 1985 his daughter, Vickie Middleton Blevins, joined the business. The ownership of the business transferred to her in 1991. In 2000 Garabaldi Jewelers, located at 1811 Kirby Parkway, was purchased and the business relocated, where it still operates today. Jimmy continued to work in the business until early 2013. He was a member of Colonial Park United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Turner Middleton; daughters, Valerie Lisa, Vickie Blevins (Bud), and June Barbas (Rick); grandchildren, Matthew Hipsher, Joseph Lisa, James C. Freeman, Sean Barbas, Michael Blevins, Scott Blevins, Ariana Poll, Andrew Barbas, Roma Andrews, Nathan Barbas, William Barbas, and Aaron Barbas; five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 12 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family requests memorials be directed to The Alzheimer’s Association.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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