1959 – 2016

AUBURN — James Henry Labonte, 57, of Auburn was called to rest in peace on Monday, Aug. 8. When God saw how weary he had become from his extensive fight with cancer, he guided him home to rest. He spent his final hours at home with his loving family by his side.

Jim was born in Lewiston on Feb. 19, 1959, to Henri and Jeannette (Patenaude) Labonte.

He attended Lewiston High School, Class of 1977, and later furthered his education with courses in plumbing, finished carpentry and real estate.

On Oct. 26, 1979, Jim married his love (aka “Hot Stuff” to him) Diane Vallee. Together, they made a life raising their five beautiful children, who later blessed them with 15 grandchildren whom Jim adored, his “grandbabies.” He was a dedicated family man who always put others first.

He was a partner in Labonte-Vallee Apartments with his brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Vallee Jr. and his wife, Diane, where he spent a great deal of time doing extensive renovations.

Jim was a loyal friend and very kind and humble man. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and he never ran out of hands, even when they became weak. Jim was a true blessing to his family and friends. As a young boy, he attended Boy Scouts and participated in several sports —  baseball, football and basketball. As an adult, he joined a men’s hockey league with his best friend, Gerry St. Dennis. He also played men’s league softball. He spent quality time with his family, children and later grandchildren, taking them ice-skating (he bought ice skates for all), mini golfing, driving golf balls with ice cream treats at Taber’s, fishing, candle pin bowling, jet skiing, and rides on his motorcycles and in his hot rods.

He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports events and taking them to Walton for football games. He was employed as a field service technician at Hill-Rom, a provider of medical technology for the health care industry.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, Diane; his son, Richard A. Labonte and wife, Bobby Sue, and their four children, Robert, Maloreigh, Donovan and Mason; his estranged granddaughter, Chelsea; Jamie Labonte and daughters, Emily and Kylie; Danielle Labonte and Matt Hammond and their daughter, Ava; Angelique Labonte and daughters, Alivia and Brooklynn; and Kayla Labonte and her children, Alexis, Julia, Derek and Dylan; and his sisters, Muriel Hanlin and husband, Rick, Theresa Labonte and her partner, Tim Burns, and Faye Lashua; his brothers, Mick Labonte and fiancée, Jeannine St. Hillaire, and Gary Labonte; many nieces and nephews, extended close family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henri and Jeanette Labonte; his grandbaby, Brielle Labonte; his brother, John (The Man) Labonte; and his niece, baby Victoria Labonte.

The family would like to express their appreciation and many thanks to the very special people who cared for Jim. They supported Jim and his family through this difficult time, too many names to mention.