James Blake Montgomery

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Blake Montgomery, 65 years old, of Toledo, OH. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 29, 2025 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born on August 4, 1959 to Donald Ray and Jean Ann Montgomery.

James attended Maumee and Anthony Wayne High schools. Shortly after he jumped into being a Skilled Finish Carpenter building and remodeling Payless Shoe Stores, Taco Bells and many other buildings and restaurants. He loved to travel and would tell stories of his adventures, especially of his childhood, growing up with lifelong friends from “ Monclova Gardens” who lovingly called him “JUNGLE” or “Jungle JIM” because of his wild ways.

James's love ran deeply for the ones closest to his heart. He absolutely loved nature, as well as growing plants with his wife of 42 years, Molly Marie Montgomery, and their children. He would also have his family wake him up out of sleep for a good thunderstorm.

James was loyal beyond boundaries and without measures. He had a good moral compass, his humor was like no other, and his personality was magnetic. He was rough around the edges, very BOLD with a heart of gold and a soft spot for children especially his grandkids. He loved them ALL and had a unique connection with each. He was the one to call if ever help or counsel was needed, you would get a helping hand or scolding whichever necessary but always coming from the best place. He had a once in a lifetime personality, truly unforgettable.

He will be missed for his witty humor, helping hand, fatherly advice, night time calls to look at the stars, joy rides in inclement weather or a “good storm” as he would call it. James was a great Son, Husband, Father, Grandpa, Sibling, and Uncle and he will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his loving family, wife, Molly Marie Montgomery; children, Christy (RJ), Nicole (Michael), James (Meagan) Montgomery; loving siblings, Cynthia Lee Montgomery, Andrew Scott Montgomery, Russell Todd Montgomery and Donald Ray Montgomery Jr. Also surviving are his loving grandchildren, Chase, Jack, Bella and Eli Montgomery, Brooke, Blake and Bristol Hunt, and GioVonni Michael Swincicki; and extended family- Amy (Lee) Yockey, Jason (Tammy) Humphrey, Sarah (Joe) Harris, and Henry Humphrey. James was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Ann Montgomery; father, Donald Ray Montgomery Sr.; mother-in-law, Garnet Ann Humphrey and father-in-law, Michael David Humphrey.

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