James Middlebrook

James Lawrence Middlebrook, age 82, of West, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 21, 2025 at West Rest Haven.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Born on July 8, 1943, in West, Texas, James was the son of the late Robert and Albina (Koval) Middlebrook. He was a lifelong resident of West, where he devoted himself to his family, friends, and faith. He completed his education in West and earned a Graduate Equivalence Degree. For 20 years, James worked for Cameron Mills in Waco, then became part of the Tymco family for an additional 17 years retiring in 2009 after a fulfilling career. An active member of First United Church of West, James embodied the spirit of service, taking on numerous roles within the church, including president of the church council and caretaker of the church grounds. He was also a member of SPJST Lodge #66. James had a lifelong passion for baseball, which he shared with the youth of West. He coached various teams in the West Baseball Little League, including those for the Kiwanis and the West Fire Department. James loved going to all the dances and listening to the Vrazels Polka Band. His greatest loves were his 1978 Trans Am and his 2021 burnt orange Challenger that he enjoyed to cruise around West. James fed all the neighborhood cats and especially loved spending time with his cat "Sassy".

James is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bobby Middlebrook and wife Barbara; a sister Rose Swank and husband Jerry; a niece, Lisa Middlebrook; and a nephew, Eddie Middlebrook Sr.

Survivors include his brother, Ervin Middlebrook Sr. and wife Marjorie of Chalk Bluff; his nieces and nephews, Marlu Duncan and husband Jay, Robert Middlebrook, Marva Simonette and husband Tracy, Ervin Middlebrook Jr. and wife Kristy, Jeannie Frost and husband Melvin, Kenneth Swank and wife Dianne; and many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Closner Cemetery or West Baseball Little League.