Jim Montgomery

Jim Lee Montgomery, 80, of Marquette, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 10, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15 at All Faiths Funeral Home with Dan Naranjo officiating.  The family is requesting casual dress for the service. Burial will follow at the Richland Cemetery, in Marquette. Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at All Faiths Funeral Home. Condolences can be left at www.giallfaiths.com.
Jim was born on September 4, 1943 to Barton and Maxine (Thomas) Montgomery in Monmouth, Illinois. He spent his early childhood in Monmouth and Galesburg, IL. When he was sixteen, he moved to Findlay, Ohio where he met the love of his life, Sue Crates in 1963.
On May 2, 1965 he was united in marriage to Sue Crates. Following their marriage, they lived wherever Jim’s railroad career took them. Jim worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company for nearly 20 years. When they started having children, they lived in Aurora and then made Marquette their home in June of 1980.  While working for the railroad Jim traveled a lot but made it a priority to be home every night with his family. 
Jim never met a stranger and could always find someone to talk to. He loved garage sales and could always find something he “needed” and was an avid collector. 
Those left to cherish his memory include: his wife of 59 years, Sue; children, Scott (Lisa) Montgomery of Grand Island, Vickie (Tony) Keiper of Grand Island, Lauri (Paul) Liess of Lexington, and James (Michelle) Montgomery of Grand Island; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; cousin, Janet McLeran of Monmouth, IL and many other cousins throughout Iowa.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; son-in-law, Tom Rodabaugh; brother-in-law, Ron Crates Sr.; and beloved dog, Emma.