Many words can be used to describe this man; courageous, intelligent, patriotic, non-judgmental, kind, compassionate and caring. He was the embodiment of all these things and more.
James Shumway Brunton was born July 23, 1927 in Garland, Wyoming to Rosa Verna Shumway and Walter “Peg” Brunton. He spent his younger years in Wyoming and attended school in Powell.
At an early age he worked in the oil fields of Wyoming and later ventured out to Portland, Oregon to work in the shipyards where he learned welding and mechanics before joining the Army. He served his country proudly, spending much of his service time in several European countries.
Upon returning from the service, he found himself following in his father’s footsteps; working in law enforcement. He was a Wyoming Highway Patrol officer for many years and was always very proud of that service.
He married his first wife, Carol, in Wyoming and together they raised three children there. They later divorced and Jim moved to Helena, Montana, where he met Arlene Bailey in 1977. They were married in 1980.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, and step-father. He enjoyed sharing his wide range of knowledge with anyone who wanted to listen and learn. He was a man who was a hard worker and also loved to read. He wore many hats and worked at various jobs to help support his new family. He worked for the Interstate Commerce Department, inspecting big rigs, he was a realtor for a while, and he and Arlene owned “The Main News” for a short time. He was always a “people person” and loved a good visit.
Jim had a real passion for old cars or any car that was a good deal and just needed a little fixin up. He was a very mechanically minded man and could do anything he set his mind to. He once decided that his garage needed to be moved over just a foot or two; so single-handedly, inch by inch, he moved it.
Together, Jim and Arlene travelled extensively to many parts of the country, visiting family and friends. They enjoyed their RV but also enjoyed just hopping in the car and going for a ride. They were members of the Helena Car Club and joined in on many of those junkets. He loved the road
Wyoming continued to pull at his heart and was calling his name, so Jim and Arlene bought a second home in Lovell, Wyoming. For the next 10 years, they travelled back and forth between Helena and Lovell, enjoying every mile.
Jim loved a good auction and would travel for miles to get to one. He could spot a good deal from a mile away.
For the past 30 years he had been very much involved in Arlene’s diabetic care; reading all he could about it, going to diabetes seminars with Arlene, and learning all he could on the management of the disease and how to operate her insulin pump. He was an excellent trouble shooter and always knew what to do in very difficult situations. Arlene survives today due to Jim’s vigilance.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Allshouse.
His is survived by his loving wife, Arlene and her children; Terry (Jim) Gundersen, Tim (Jane) Bailey, Tom (Alice) Bailey, Tammy (Myron) Laib, Tracy (Patty) Bailey and Tina Bailey. He is also survived by his children, Mark, Becky, and Blake as well as 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; a sister Kay (Frank) Graves, and half-brothers Steve (Shirley) Howe and Ernie Howe. Jim also leaves behind his best and long-time friend, Jim Elliot and his little dog Pepper.
The family would like to thank the VA Medical Center for the excellent care he has received over the past year and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their kind and loving care; making it possible to care for Jim at home.
Visitation hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 21, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Jim’s life will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the home of Tammy and Myron Laib, 1310 Bitterroot Road in the Helena Valley. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 21, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday September 22, 2014
Home of Tammy and Myron Laib
1310 Bitterroot Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 21, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday September 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday September 22, 2014
Home of Tammy and Myron Laib
1310 Bitterroot Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Terry Woken Lee says
So very sorry for your loss Arlene and family.
Teresa Lightbody says
Jim was a true gentleman. Sending love your way, Arlene.
Fred & Tara Simmons says
Tracy,
So sorry for your loss, our continued thoughts with you and all of your family.
Sincerely,
Fred & Tara
LaVonne Miller says
Arlene and Family, we are sorry. May all your wonderful memories with Jim be in your hearts and help you get through this. Our thoughts are with you. The Miller Girls. Karyn, LaVonne, and JoAnne
Marnie Hall says
Tina and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I love you dear friend. I’m here for you if you need anything. Marnie Hall
Scott Norris says
After having lived across the the street in Lovell for apparently 10 years I regret not getting to know you both better. James to me was a very strong willed man whom I had a lot of respect for . My deepest sympathy to you Arlene , God bless you .
Burchell E. Hopkin says
Jim’s sister Kay is the only one of his family I have met and remember. I would like to convey my appreciation to her for our shared histories and family memories. I have had a couple of occasions to visit with Jim since they reestablished themselves in Lovell and am glad I did. My kind condolences to all.