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Submitted: 4/15/18 • Approved: 4/15/18 • Last Updated: 4/19/18 • R812564-G0-S3
Sep 5, 1917 Simmons, Texas, MO
May 4, 2017 Springfield, Greene, MO
James Verlee Montgomery (Jim), son of Rev. Clyde and Ruby Montgomery was born at home near Simmons in Texas County, MO on September 5, 1937. He died at his home in Springfield on May 4, 2017 after a long illness. Jim started school at Oak Grove, then moved to Cabool where he graduated with the Class of 55 who he loved like family.
In 1961 Jim married Karen Cooper from Summersville, MO. He served in the US Army at Ft. Lee, VA returning to St. Louis to work ten years at McDonnell Douglas. A son, James Jr. and a daughter, Diana, were born in St. Louis County and grew to 7 and 6 in St. Charles County before Jim and Karen decided they wanted their children to grow up in a small town. Jim bought a service station and worked long days later managing a bulk plant while raising a few beef cattle, gardening and as always, working very hard.
In 1988 Jim decided he would like to represent Cabool and the District in the capitol in Jefferson City. He won four elections, serving eight years. He was proud of accomplishing state assistance to replace the old rickety Ross Bridge in northeast Texas Co; he supported the prison in Licking and was instrumental in placing the Division of Youth Services’ Gentry Residential Center in our District. He chaired the Veterans Committee guiding the placement of five Federal Veterans Cemeteries in Missouri. He retired in ’99 and in 2015 Jim and Karen moved to Springfield due to failing health.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Verlyn ‘Woody’ Montgomery. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen; his children, James Montgomery, Jr. (Melinda) and Diana Robertson (Steve); 6 grandchildren, Ashlyn (Chris) Brewer, Jordan (Eric) Gettys, Travis (Lauren) Montgomery, Alissa (Jesse) Thompson, Dace Robertson and Megan Robertson and 1 great-granddaughter, Charlotte Gettys; sisters, Sharon Bryant of Richland and Rosemary Brown of Salt Lake City, loving family members; life-long friends and political associates. His last months were made more pleasant and comfortable by the loving nurses, caregivers and volunteers of Integrity Hospice and Home Care. [egcfuneralhome.com]
Contributed on 4/15/18 by mjrwag
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Record #: 812564