James A. Barto, 62, of Marienville died at 3:20 p.m. Saturday at Kahle Lake in Clarion County while launching his boat.

Born April 5, 1946, in Butler, he was the son of the late H. Leroy and Gertrude Salisbury Barto.

Mr. Barto was a welder at Pullman Standard until the plant closed.

He devoted most of his life to hunting and fishing and was a member of the Butler Bass Buddies, the West Sunbury American Legion, the Marienville Rod & Gun Club, the Western Pennsylvania Anglers and the Pennsylvania Bass Federation.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Surviving are a daughter, Jamie Gander of Jackson Center; a grandson, Coty Gander of Jackson Center; his longtime companion, Brenda Magee; a sister, Mrs. William (Mary Alice) Gladis of Jonesboro, Ga.; three nephews; and several cousins.

A brother preceded him in death.

<B>BARTO</B> — Friends of James A. Barto, who died Saturday, May 10, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. J. David Panther of the First United Methodist Church officiating.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.