James Charles Gant

James Charles Gant, age 89 of New Glarus passed away February 16, 2020 while vacationing with family in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He was born on November 5, 1930 on the home farm in Blanchardville, WI to his parents James Richard and Charmian May (Blanchard). Jim graduated from Blandchardville High School in 1948 and was united in marriage with Jean Marie (Ness) on February 14, 1952 at the Primrose Lutheran Church.

Born into farming, Jim spent his working life in the dairy industry including Pet Milk Labs, Fieldman for Lake-to-Lake Dairy Cooperative, Farm Quality Specialist for Klenzade Economics Laboratory, and Grande Cheese Company, where he received the Sanitarian of the Year Award.

On September 5, 1951, during the Korean War, Jim enlisted in the Air Force, was stationed in Great Falls, MT, and was discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on Sept. 5, 1955.

Jim loved good food and classic recipes. He was a life-long athlete, played on the Air Force Baseball Team, was named to the Blanchardville All-Time All Stars Team, and was a charter member of the Edelweiss Country Club in New Glarus where he won the Championship Flight in 1988. Through his golfing years he made seven holes-in-one, including the last and only shot of his final day of golf, after which he handed the club to his son and said to the other golfers, "I don't need to hit all of those balls like you guys." Anyone who knew him will remember his droll wit and keen sense of humor.

Jim is survived by his wife; sister Charmian May Paulmeno (Gant); son James Jay and daughter-in-law Beth Ellen (Tronnes) Gant; son David Mons Gant; daughter Laurie Jean Gant; grandson James Jayson Mons and granddaughter-in-law Elizabeth Ann Branney-Gant; granddaughters Erin Joy Gant and Jill Marie Gant; great grandchildren Audrey Marie, James Owen, Ava Jean, Emma Elizabeth Denise, and Patrick Jayson Mons Gant.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside inurnment services will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the West Primrose Cemetery, rural Belleville, WI following the memorial service for his wife Jeanne Gant at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in New Glarus.