Lt. Col. (Ret.) James Robert Montgomery, Ph.D. of McKinney, Texas, passed away on October 29, 2023, at the age of 84 in Dallas, Texas. He was born on January 11, 1939, to James Leonard Montgomery and Mildred Roberta (Stropes) Montgomery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
James will be remembered as a man who had many talents and interests that centered around family, church, education, community, career and travel. He was an active member of First McKinney Baptist Church and has held many positions in every church he has joined. James has served on mission trips to several countries. He has visited 70 countries and all 50 states for work or pleasure. James graduated from five universities and earned a degree from each one. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. At the age of 71, James was the oldest person to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in Huntsville at that time.
He enjoyed service to his community as a volunteer at the Heard Museum in McKinney and Perot Museum in Dallas. James had some knowledge of four languages and enjoyed conversing with people from other countries. He found something special in people of all ages and worked as a substitute teacher in Decatur, Alabama schools as well as McKinney schools. After retirement from Monsanto as a chemical engineer, James became owner of a video production company. He was appointed to the Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for the state of Alabama and served as chairman. When James looked back upon his many life experiences, he said that his favorite job was that of being a grandpa.
On October 19, 1962, Lt. Col. Montgomery married the love of his life, Ellen Elizabeth Teachenor, in St. Louis, Missouri. Together they built a life filled with love and two compassionate and intelligent children. They have countless cherished memories created over six decades of marriage.
Lt. Col. James Robert Montgomery, PhD leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and dedication to God and country. His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Ellen Elizabeth Montgomery, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends who were touched by his kindness and strength.
Lt. Col. Montgomery is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ellen Montgomery of McKinney, Texas; son, James “Jim” W. Montgomery and wife, Brenda of Hartselle, Alabama; daughter, Elizabeth M. Slack and husband, Charles of McKinney, Texas; four grandchildren, Sarah Ellen M. Netherton and husband, Bradley of Hartselle, Alabama, William Montgomery Slack of Los Angeles, California, Charles Porter Slack of Austin, Texas, and Alexandria Elizabeth Slack of Boston, Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Julian Paul Netherton and Arlo Robert Netherton; sister, Nancy Montgomery Durette of Nashua, New Hampshire; and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Belinda Kay Becker.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2023 in the Chapel at First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 West Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday afternoon one hour prior to the service at church.
Lt. Col. James Robert Montgomery, PhD will be interred with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery during a private ceremony.
With a compassionate heart and an unwavering commitment to give back, Lt. Col. Montgomery believed in supporting the younger generation. In honor of his memory, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Decatur Youth Program or the First McKinney Baptist Church Youth Summer Camp Program (Extreme Camp). It is a fitting tribute to Lt. Col. Montgomery's life of service and his belief in nurturing and empowering the youth.