James “Jim” Carton, 83, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Trinity Health Davenport, IA. A private funeral service will be held Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Pastor Terry Lancaster will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by Don Cherry VFW Post 5083. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, PO Box 734985, Chicago, Illinois 60673. Please make the check payable to "Northwestern Memorial Foundation" and include "James Carton” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at foundation.nm.org or over the phone at (312) 926-2033. Your gift will support the Ophthamology Department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Jim was born June 9, 1937, the son of George and Martha (VanderMeersch) Carton in Moline, IL. After high school graduation, he began working at John Deere Foundry, while there he served in the United States Army. Upon retiring from John Deere, he worked for Pinks' Bus Service, driving for over 25 years. He was known by all the kids as “Curly”. He married Beth Pinks on December 2, 1988. He was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 100, and a founder of the annual Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast. Jim built his own home, with the assistance of his Dad. Working on it was what he loved. Jim enjoyed golf, carpentry, yard work, playing cards, and woodworking. He loved traveling to Las Vegas and Hawaii, where he enjoyed cocktails and fine dining. Jim was known for his “famous” breakfast eggs for all holiday meals. He was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bulls, and the great Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Beth; daughters, Jennifer (Mike) Leone, of Lisle, IL, and Jacqueline (Randy) Russell, of Geneseo; son, Erik (Summer) Carlson, of Geneseo; five grandchildren; several special adopted grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Carton and an infant brother.