James Montgomery

James "Jim" Harold Montgomery, 81, of Canton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family's love on April 8th, 2025.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 10, 1944, Jim was the eldest son of Harold and Jeanette Montgomery. After graduating from St. Frances Xavier High School in 1962 and attending Detroit Engineering Institute, he served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 as a Specialist 4. Jim embarked on a 40-year career as a Metal Model Maker at Ford Motor Company in 1968.

In October 1969, Jim met his soulmate, Vladimira Kriston, while they both bowled in different leagues. They married in January 1971 and welcomed three children: Jeffery, Cheryl, and Nicole. Later in life, Jim returned to school and earned an Associate's degree from Henry Ford Community College.

In 2007, Jim retired from Ford and dedicated his time to traveling with his wife. He continued to pursue his passions for bowling and golf, achieving a hole-in-one in 2015. Their travels created cherished memories, including trips to Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise, and a cross-country road trip to visit national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.

Jim was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren: Kyle, Cameron, Sarah, Lauren, and Timothy. He cherished spending time with them, whether it was attending their sporting events, making his famous pancake breakfasts, or taking them to the zoo and the movies.

Jim was a man of the Catholic faith, who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, like tending to his tropical fish, catching up on the news, and listening to music, especially Bob Seger, The Ventures, and Fleetwood Mac.

Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Jeanette (Beaupied) Montgomery, Jim is survived by his wife, Vladimira (Kriston) Montgomery; his children, Jeffery (Lisa) Montgomery, Cheryl (Robert) Sayn, and Nicole (Timothy) Paternoster; and his grandchildren, Kyle Sayn, Cameron Montgomery, Sarah Sayn, Lauren Montgomery, and Timothy Paternoster. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul (Ginny) Montgomery and Richard (Cynthia) Montgomery; his nieces and nephews, Mark Montgomery, Amy Fowler, Rachel Montgomery, and Christian Montgomery.

Visitation will be held at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 W. Warren Rd. Canton, MI 48187 on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm.

A funeral service will follow at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton, MI 48187 on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:30 am (10:00 am Instate).

Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.