James Bidwell Carlton

James Bidwell Carlton, husband of Juanita Ashby, passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 89. Born in Boydton on December 11, 1931, he was the son of the late June Cisco Carlton and the late Esther Bray Carlton. James was drafted as a pitcher by the Brooklyn Dodgers, but being a man who knew his priorities, he put baseball aside to move south and support his family. He became a highly recognized bridge builder, working in the profession for more than 50 years. James was a loyal and patriotic American, who loved his family more than anything. He was an avid fisherman and often found haven out on his boat. Cherishing many precious memoires are his wife, Juanita; daughters, Melanie Wright (Todd) of Greenville, SC and Misti Carlton of Albany, NY; sons, Jaimie Krum of Hilton Head, NC, Mark Sturgill of Winston Salem, NC and Ricky Sturgill of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Cody Wright, Connor Wright, Cason Wright, Francis Davis and Merit Davis and brother, Stan Carlton of Concord, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kirbie Krum and siblings, Norman, Mayard, Jewel, Margarit, Hazel and Irma. A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, November 26, 2021 at Fields United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at James' home following the service. Online condolences may be made at www.wclfh.com. The family is being served by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, 703 Virginia Ave., Clarksville, VA.