James Clifford Mergenthaler, 63

James Clifford Mergenthaler, 63, was born March 23, 1945, in Helena, to Clifford and Katherine. On Friday, Sept. 5, 2008, he was at his home when he 'went to be with his Lord' after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was the oldest of three sisters and two brothers.

He graduated from Helena High School and went on to study geology at Montana State University.

In September 1964, he married his high-school sweetheart, Midge Peabody. He moved to Polson in 1968 and bought property in the country to raise his family.

To this union were born five children. They later adopted three girls. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren.

James worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for 39 years.

He is survived by his wife, Midge; their eight children; and their 16 grandchildren; as well as his parents; and his three sisters and two brothers.

James was buried in the family cemetery Friday, Sept. 5. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at First Baptist Church, 40401 Montana 35, in Polson. A celebration of his life will be afterward at the family home, 41796 Wilderness Valley Road, in Polson.

Memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church.