James A. Carton, 90, of Highlands, departed this life March 14, 2021. He grew up in East Keansburg, moving to Middletown after getting married. They settled into Highlands in 1980, where he would live for the rest of his life.
He was a graduate of St. Ann’s School in Keansburg and then Red Bank Catholic High School. He served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1948-1969, retiring at the rank of major. In 1961 he founded Bittner and Carton Insurance Agency in Keyport, which he operated until retiring in 2011. During those years he earned the insurance designations of CPCU, CIC and AIS. During this same time, he served as chairman of the Middletown Recreation Commission, the Navesink Toastmasters, the Keyport Chamber of Commerce and the Keyport Kiwanis Club. For about 20 of those years he was a co-owner with Joel MacLean of Mac J. Keyport, LLC. He was an avid reader, golfer and enjoyed garage sales and restoring furniture.
James was predeceased by his parents, James T. and Adelaide Carton, and his brothers, Monsignor William Carton and Leo Carton and wife Mary Ann.
He is survived by his lovely wife of 67 years, Florence, his wonderful daughter, Eileen, and sons Dr. James T. and his wife Michelle, and Jonathan and his wife Jillian; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law Gail T. Carton-O’Connell, and also his beloved four pawed grandson Jimmy.
Visitation was March 18 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home in Middletown. A funeral Liturgy was offered March 19 at St. Catherine’s RC Church in Middletown. Interment was private.
The article originally appeared in the April 1 – 7, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
