James C Braton, Sr.

James C. Braton Sr., 74 of rural Barnesville, Minnesota died Monday, February 1, 2010, in MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, surrounded by his loving family. Jim, son of Samuel O. and Gladys (Grant) Braton, was born May 18, 1935 on his familys farm in Prairie View Township, Wilkin County, Minnesota. He attended school and grew to manhood in the Barnesville area graduating from Barnesville High School in 1954. After his schooling he farmed with his family near Barnesville. Jim married Janice Czichotzki on June 14, 1956 in Christ Lutheran Church, Mitchell Township of Wilkin County. The couple made their home and farmed in Prairie View Township near Barnesville where they raised their family. They retired from farming in 1998 and continued to live on the farm. Jim lived there until the time of his death. Jim was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Barnesville, and was a past Chair of the Church Council. He served on the Prairie View Township and Farmers Oil boards for many years. Jim was a Wilkin County Commissioner from 1983 " 2000. He was a huge fan of the Barnesville Trojan Football and Basketball teams, attending the majority of their games until his eyesight started failing. He was an avid country music fan, traveling to performances whenever possible. Hank Williams Sr. was his idol and the family hopes Hank is giving Jim a performance in Heaven! Jim was a devoted Ford fan, collecting many model and actual cars, pickups and tractors. As Jims health deteriorated, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him some of his greatest enjoyment. He thoroughly enjoyed their visits and antics. He is survived by his wife, Janice; three sons, Jim Jr. (Pam) Braton, Jeff Braton, Jon (Wanda Garry) Braton all of Barnesville; two daughters, Jackie (Laurel) McKenzie of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Judy Andrews of Barnesville; 14 grandchildren, Sam (Heather) Nordick of Mohall, North Dakota, Jake (Carrie)Nordick of Detroit Lakes, Jolene (Shaw) Loiseau of Colman, South Dakota, Amber (Cory) Blilie, Casey (Carrie) Braton and Brandi Braton all of Barnesville, Shane Braton of Moorhead, Brian Andrews Jr. and Kaylee Andrews both of Euless, Texas, Jon Braton Jr. of International Falls, Minnesota, Travis Braton of Spangdahlem, Germany, Amber Garry, Adam Garry and Alex Garry all of Barnesville; eight great-grandchildren, Grace Nordick, Payton and Lawson Loiseau, Hunter and Macie Blilie, Paige, Lydia and Benjamin Braton. He is also survived by four brothers, Deloris (Peggy) Braton, Howard (Leona) Braton all of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, Sam Jr. (Joyce) Braton, Robert (Donna) Braton all of Barnesville; one sister, Beverly Thompson of Arlington, Texas; brother-in-law, Jim Hanson of Hickson, North Dakota; sister-in-law, Beverly Braton of Barnesville; uncle, Loren (Mabel) Braton of Pelican Rapids; aunt, Inez Braton of Barnesville, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Floyd, Kenneth, Ronald; one sister LaVonne Hanson; two nephews, Scott Hanson and Neil Braton. Visitation: Thursday from 4:00 " 8:00 with a prayer service at 7:00 in Dobmeier Funeral home, Barnesville and two hours before the funeral on Friday at the church. Funeral Service: Friday at 2:00 in St. Johns Lutheran Church, Barnesville. Interment: Prairie View Cemetery, Prairie View Township, Wilkin County, Minnesota.