James M. Brantner, 84, of Polson, MT. passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006 at his home in Polson.  He was born on July 12, 1921 at Bremond, Texas to Horace and Mabrey Petteway Brantner, a family of 9 brothers and 3 sisters.

   He grew up and attended school in Bremond, Texas.  He served in the United States Army enlisting in July of 1940 and was discharged on Dec. of 1945 serving with the Army Engineers with the rank of Sgt.

   After his discharge he went into real estate in Ohio.  He came to Montana and ended up in Kalispell after marrying Shirley L. LaBonty in 1957.  After their marriage they moved to Havre, Montana where Jim worked at the Sacred Heart Hospital as a financial advisor, and they later moved to Santa Maria, Ca. where he worked in the same capacity at the Marion Hospital.  Retirement brought them back to Polson in 1984.  He loved gardening and especially his flowers, was an active bowler and square dancer, and loved playing pinochle.  He loved his church and his church family. 

   His parents and 4 brothers and 2 sisters preceded him in death.  Jim is survived by his wife Shirley of Polson, daughters Mabrey Lee Henry of Lewiston, Idaho, and Linda LaBonty-Snyder of St. Ignatius, Montana, sons John LaBonty of Glasgow, Montana & Dennis LaBonty of Logan, Utah and 5 brothers and 1sister.  He loved his grandchildren very much.

   A military memorial service will be held on Tuesday February 21, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Polson Community Church with Rev. Richard Widerholdt military Chaplin officiating.   Cremation has taken place.  Memorials may be made in James name to the Lake County Hospice or the Polson Community Church.  Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.