James Carlton, 94, Medford

James Curtis Carlton of Medford, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, on his 94th birthday.

A Celebration of Life will take place on the farm in August.

Jim was one of three children born to the late Chet and Clara (Jirousek) Carlton. He grew up on the family farm, where he lived for 93 years. He attended country school at the Rock School, often riding his pony instead of walking.

Jim was an active member of the Moland Huskies 4-H club, enjoying showing his pigs at the Steele County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. He was also a member of the Owatonna High School FFA.

He farmed with his father until he was called to serve in the Korean Conflict. During his service, he rose to the rank of Corporal and was wounded in action on Christmas Hill, Korea, on July 27th, the last day of fighting before the armistice was signed. He received a Purple Heart for his service. Following an honorable discharge, Jim later bought the family farm, where he continued to milk 42 cows, raised hogs, steers, sheep, and ponies, and planted corn and soybeans. The farm was registered as a century farm.

Jim met his first wife in Owatonna, and they later divorced. He then met Georgia Fennie, and they were married on Aug. 3, 1963. After retirement, Jim and Georgia enjoyed taking frequent country road trips around the neighborhood to observe how current farmers utilize the land. Jim enjoyed painting and restoring old tractors and watching dirt track racing. Later in life, his favorite activity was mowing the lawn and ditches of his 460-acre property. He also enjoyed telling stories of his youth and recalling the “good olde days.”

He is survived by his wife, Georgia (Fennie) Carlton, of 62 years; his children, Todd Carlton of Foley, Sue Carlton of McKinney, Texas, Joe Carlton of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Carrie Carlton (Steven Amundson) of Medford; and his sisters Joan Indvik of Arizona and Sandy (Jim) Buchan of Wabasha.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.