James Edward Congleton

James “Jim” Edward Congleton, 82, of Midway, Kentucky, passed into eternal life on January 28, 2026. He was born on February 3, 1944, in Richmond, Kentucky, to Edward Park Congleton and Ruth Greear Congleton.

Jim graduated from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1966. He devoted much of his professional life to education, teaching at Charlestown High School in Charlestown, Indiana, and later with Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, Kentucky. After a long and dedicated career in education, he retired as a proud member of the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association.

Jim’s children often joked that he loved working hard—and when he wasn’t working, he chose hobbies that required just as much hard work. Beyond teaching, Jim was an entrepreneur who operated businesses in residential real estate construction, subdivision development—including Greear Estates in Bardstown, Kentucky—and commercial remodeling services.

His hobbies reflected both craftsmanship and community. Jim enjoyed raising, showing, and judging miniature horses, and he, along with his wife and daughter Kim, was deeply involved in the miniature horse community as longtime members of the American Miniature Horse Association. He also loved building furniture, cabinetry, and wood-working projects—often alongside his children and grandchildren—fishing, gardening, grilling the perfect steak, and enjoying nearly any dessert his wife, Patsy, made.

A common thread in Jim’s life was his joy in working alongside others. No matter the task, he welcomed help and cherished time spent with family. His natural ability to learn and teach on the go made it nearly impossible to spend time with him without picking up a few trade secrets along the way.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ruth Congleton, and his sister, Elizabeth "Liz" Toth.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Edwards Congleton; his children Bradley (Michelle) Congleton, Kimberly (Carl) Sullivan, and John (Terri) Congleton; his grandchildren Parker Congleton, Trisha and Emily Sullivan, and Levi, Lucas, David, Adam, and Daniel Congleton; his sister Judy (Bobby) Howard; his twin brother Jerry Congleton and a brother in law, Dr. Floyd “F.D.” Toth.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraft Funeral Service with private entombment at Kraft Graceland Memorial Park.