James Andrew “Jim” Middleton - Former Mayor of Dalton

James Andrew “Jim” Middleton, who served the citizens of Dalton for over a decade in public office first as a member of the city council and then 12 years as Mayor (from 1988-2000), passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.  He was 88 years old.  He’s remembered as a loyal public servant who had a heartfelt passion for serving his community during his time as Mayor.

“Mayor Middleton was a true advocate for the citizens of Dalton,” said Mayor Annalee Sams. “His legacy will continue to inspire those who strive to serve Dalton.  Our City is most certainly a better place for having had the privilege of Jim Middleton’s leadership.”

“He was a great Mayor and I certainly enjoyed working with him. We went through some difficult times but we got a lot accomplished during a difficult economy,” said former City Councilmember James Gamblin who served during Middleton’s tenure as Mayor. “Mayor Middleton formed a committee that gave us ideas and recommendations and we pulled through the tough economy. He was a good leader, a super guy, and he would listen to you. I enjoyed my term serving with him and he got us through some tough times.”

Born in Melrose Park, Illinois, Middleton grew up in Tunnel Hill and was a 1953 graduate of Dalton High School.  Middleton graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a degree in business administration and started his career as the business officer manager at Hamilton Medical Center and spent most of his career in the carpet sample business.  He finished his career in the insurance and financial planning fields.

Prior to being elected to City Council and later Mayor, Middleton served the City on the Civil Service Commission (Public Safety Commission today) between 1973 to 1984.  Middleton’s heart for public service and serving his community was recognized by the City staff who worked for him during his term on the Council and as Mayor.

“He was always very personable, he was always very upbeat, and friendly and had a smile on his face” said former longtime City Clerk Faye Martin.

Former City Administrator Butch Sanders recalled Middleton’s support for the Trade Center.  “Jim was instrumental in being a big supporter of the Trade Center.”  “Jim was so consistent and so strong in his support and that’s the way he was in anything. If he believed it was going to be good for the City then he was going to be a stalwart in trying to get something done.” “Everybody just loved Jim Middleton… he was the definition of what a city father should be.”  Sanders also recalled Middleton’s ardent love and support of Dalton Catamount football and the game of golf.

Former Parks and Recreation Director Ronnie Nix indicated Middleton was instrumental in many key recreational projects Dalton residents still enjoy today.  “During his tenure as Mayor, Al Rollins Park was completed in 1989 and although it wasn’t finished during his time as Mayor, the property that is now Heritage Point was purchased. Under his leadership, the Mayor and Council were supportive of the Parks and Recreation Department and our efforts to best serve the citizens of Dalton.”

Beyond his commitment to public service, Middleton was also very passionate about his faith and was a founding member of Rock Bridge Church. “He was passionate about all the right things…and loved people and anything he ever did he would give 110% to and wanted to make it better,” said Pastor of Rock Bridge Church Matt Evans. “I was 27 coming fresh out of the Navy and never preached two Sundays in a row and here he comes with all of that passion and belief and encouragement and said let’s start a new church and he did that when he was in his mid to late 60s.”

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel (former Dalton City Councilmember) described Middleton as a great sales representative of Dalton and our community.  “I always remember him focusing on the positive things going on in our community,” said Bethel.

The City of Dalton offers condolences to his wife of nearly 70 years, Joann Arnold Middleton, and all of his family and many friends.