James Charlton

James Robert Charlton was born on June 11, 1935 to Oscar and Susie (Duffy) Charlton. He passed away on March 4, 2018. Jim grew up on the family farm in Joliet with his older sister, Irma. He graduated from Joliet High School in 1954 and joined the army for two years. He was roughnecking in the oil fields around Choteau when he met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Monkman. After a whirlwind courtship, they married on November 29, 1957. They settled in Melstone, Montana with Jim working in the oil field as a partner in J&J Trucking Incorporated. Their new little family grew with the arrival of Rock and two years later Vince. Jim sold his part of J&J Trucking and moved his family to Shepherd in 1973 where he continued in trucking as an owner/operator. In 1979, Jim started a good relationship with Dyce Chemical. From this arrangement, grew a family business, Charlton and Sons Trucking Inc., with a small fleet of trucks, his sons, and valued employees. Jim retired from trucking in 2000 and became an avid snowbird. Seventeen wonderful winters were spent at Lake Havasu City, Arizona where he made many good friends. Jim loved his family, and they were the light of his life. He leaves his family with many memories of his humor, teasing, bantering and love. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Rock, his sister and brother in law, Irma and Bill Daum and his nephews, Doug (Connie) Daum and Roy (Vicki) Leuenberger. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bev; son, Vince (Jennifer) Charlton; daughter-in-law, Lorrie Charlton; 9 grandchildren, Bob (Alison) Charlton, Mark Charlton, Kallie (Shane) Hoffner, Mindy (Charlie) Jackson, Dan Charlton, Justine, Jarett, Anna and Sydni Charlton; and 10 great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 9th at 11:00 am at Valley Baptist Church, Road 8 N and Highway 312, Huntley MT. Lunch will be provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shepherd Bible Church or a charity of your choice.