James “Jim” (or “Jimmy”) F. Carleton, 79, of West Bath, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, after a short but fierce battle with esophageal cancer. Jim was the son of the late Maynard L. and Beatrice (Rose) Carleton. Following graduation from Morse High School (class of 65), Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (1966-1969) and served as a Sgt. in the Vietnam War.  Jim continued his service joining the Air National Guard from 1982-2000. On November 30, 1968, he married his wife, Durene C. Stover and in 1972, built his first and only home in West Bath, where he remained for the rest of his life. 

Jim spent 35 years at Bath Iron Works, where he worked as a technical writer, retiring in 2012. He especially loved racquetball and played three times a week with his close-knit group of friends for over 30 years. He also loved taking long drives across the State of Maine and taking the family on many memorable camping trips. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Durene Carleton, in 2016; his sister, Joanne “Joanie” Carleton; sister- in-law Sandra Carleton; and niece Lisa Carleton. He is survived by his three daughters, Sarah Carleton of Freeport, Elizabeth Carleton of Freeport, and Rebecca Carleton of West Bath, his brother, Lee Carleton of Bangor, his sister, Julie Carleton of Bath and three devoted grandchildren, Wyatt Morse, Noah Morse and Johnny Marcoux, his brother-and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Danforth, his nieces, Robyn Brochu, Jolene Scovil, and Aimee Danforth and his nephew, Sean Danforth.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 5th, with service starting at 1pm, at the American Legion 200 Congress Ave. Bath, ME. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion though their website https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate  or to the Maine Cancer Foundation at mainecancer.org. Condolences may be made online at Daigle Funeral Home. (Insert link to that here)