Hollister resident, Vietnam War veteran
James William Montgomery died Wednesday, Jan 1, 2003 at his Hollister home after a lengthy illness. He was 56.
Mr. Montgomery was born in San Luis Obispo and came to San Benito County 35 years ago. He attended Gavilan College and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Army and attaining the rank of sergeant.
He was a welder, machinist and fabricator for G.O.P, Wiebe Manufacturing, Kaiser, Graniterock and most recently Shannon-Pride Conveyance. He was a member of the Machinists Union of Salinas and Watsonville, the National Rifle Association and enjoyed hunting and shooting. He loved working with his hands – building engines, welding and fabricating, his family said. He also loved animals, particularly his dog, Toby, whom he had for 17 years; the two went everywhere together. He was “Papa” to his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, his family said.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, with whom he celebrated 32 years of marriage Dec. 19; his children and their spouses, Jason and Chastity Montgomery of Hollister and Jennifer and David Hopcroft of Paicines; his sister, Muriel Steinwater of North Carolina; three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Leland Montgomery.
Visitation will be Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at the IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to the Vietnam Veterans Fund in care of the funeral home.
