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Joe Montgomery Obituary
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 26th at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 9th and G Street.
He survived the Dust Bowl and the Depression, dug sweet potatoes and peanuts, worked in the cotton and hay fields, milked cows, rode horses, had daily chores on the old farm, played college football, piloted a B-17, baked cinnamon rolls, made spiced crab apples, and loved attending high school reunions with "the kids" from the 50s.
Mr. Montgomery was born in Floydada, Texas on January 28, 1918. After graduating from Colorado State University in 1941 he traveled to San Francisco and finally north to Alaska on a steamship. He was happy to take a job loading freight and was delighted to learn that the pay was $1.35 an hour. After reaching Anchorage he answered a newspaper ad for a teaching job. With winter soon to follow, he looked for room and board and found it for $60.00 a month at Mrs. Erickson's boarding house where he met his future wife, Ebba. Then Pearl Harbor changed everything. He enlisted and was selected for flight training, which resulted in flying 35 missions as a B-17 pilot with the 8th Air Force. After World War II, he owned the Chrysler Auto Agency for three years before returning to the School District where he worked for 32 years as teacher, counselor, principal, and was Superintendent of Schools for 7 years. He retired in 1977 and was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives and served from 1980 to 1984. He was a member of the State Board of Education, the Alaska Parole Board, Beverage Control Board, Pioneers of Alaska, CARTA and other civic organizations.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ebba Montgomery.
He is survived by daughters, Julie and Marilyn Jo; grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. The support and friendship of caregivers and friends was appreciated and meant so much to Joe. Words can't begin to describe how much he will be missed.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, to sign the guestbook please visit www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Montgomery
Joel Wight
October 29, 2013
Joe was someone who could provide the discipline we all needed, but you also knew he was a compassionate friend of the students. It was the privilege of the Class of '61 to have him as our guest of honor at our 50th reunion in 2011. Even at the age of 93 he had us in stitches with his story about a student trying to get his bottle of booze back after Joe had taken into custody. What a grand man!
Diane Kelly
October 25, 2013
Dear Julie, Marilyn and families, your
Dear Julie, Marilyn and families, I wish you peace, comfort and pathways of sunshine as you fondly relive memories of your Dad and Mom. I treasure the memories of my visits to your home when I taught with Julie. Love, laughter and happiness always reined!
Jackie Musgrave
October 20, 2013
Mr. Montgomery was a good man and a great principal. I'm another of the AHS "50's kids" (Jackie Sherriff) who has nothing but fond memories of him. Sincere sympathy to his family; what a wonderful legacy he leaves.
Pat Byrne
October 19, 2013
Julie and Family,
I am so sorry to read of your father's death. Though I did not know him, I did learn of his contributions to education and his reputation. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Joel Wight
October 18, 2013
A life well lived! He touched so many in his kind and gentle way. I'm so glad the Class of '61 was able to honor him at our 50th reunion in 2011.
Cecilia Lobdell (Rudolph)
October 17, 2013
I worked for the ASD when Joe Montgomery was superintendent. His good character was so inspiring that I wrote a poem about him way back then and recently ran across a picture of him standing with me while I was cutting my going away cake - back in 1972. To his girls, our deepest sympathy. We may have lost a wise man but memories of his charm will stay in our hearts.
Shirley Hartman
October 16, 2013
Joe and Ebba were our best friends forever. Joe was best man at our wedding (Cliff Hartman & Shirley Lewis) in 1975. I have wonderful memories of their friendship. After Cliff died in 1999 and later Ebba did, too, Joe & I talked on the phone occasionally. I visited them for the last time in July 2007 when I was in Anchorage for my step son's marriage (Chad Hartman). In addition to his career and community accomplishments, Joe was a wonderful, kind and caring friend. I will miss him. My condolences to Marilyn, Julie and their families.
Darroll Hargraves
October 15, 2013
One of the great influences in my life that got me into the business of School Superintendent was Joe Montgomery. As a young Superintendent in the troubled Nome School District, Joe took me under his wing. Many conversations with him in person and via phone got me through those first years of my career as an Alaskan School Superintendent. He was the best, most ideal mentor and example for younger administrators to emulate. I have often caught myself asking, "What would Joe Montgomery say about this problem or situation?" He influenced many across the state that his family and close friends may not know. Many thanks, Joe.
Darroll Hargraves
October 13, 2013
Joe Montgomery was a gentle and affable friend to an army of AHS students and graduates who loved him in return. We always appreciated his honoring class reunions by attending them, and would actually line up to greet our elder statesman educator. Rest in peace, Joe. We won't forget you.
Dale Sellin
Seattle
Loretta Ramstad Homan
October 13, 2013
Your father was a great educator and compassionate man. It is with great pride that I can say knew him. My prayers to you and your family, remember the good times, it truly helps.
Mike and Patsy Turner
October 13, 2013
Marilyn and Julie and family, Mike and I send our condolences. Your Dad was a wonderful person that we both remember well.
Rozanne Timbes
October 13, 2013
My condolences to his family, I never met him though I did have the pleasure of having Julie in some of my classes. He surely will be missed, I can only hope his legacy will be carried forward for all.
Ron Thorne
October 13, 2013
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Montgomery on my 1st day at Central Junior High, when he signed me up for my 1st classes in Anchorage. In the process, he said "would you like to be in band?", to which I answered "yes", enthusiastically. Then, he asked "what instrument would you like to play?". I've been a drummer since that day, thanks to those two profound questions. The next year, Mr. Montgomery became principal at Anchorage High School, so I was lucky enough to enjoy his strong but gentle leadership for five years. What a wonderful man! Sincere condolences to Mr. Montgomery's family for this great loss.
Dick Core
October 12, 2013
Joe Montgomery was a legend. It was because of him that I graduated. I was ready to quit and go to work but he said that wasn't acceptable. His firm compassion was the example for me not only graduating but excelling in life. Dick Core '53
Ken Odsather
October 12, 2013
Farewell my dear friend, you have influenced so many lives. As I read the guest book it was like visiting old Anchorage, with classmates and friends from years gone by. You were a friend to all, you were admired and you were respected. You influenced a lot of people in your lifetime. You left a legacy for your family and those of us that were your students to do our best. Your journey through life has touched so many people. To Julie and Marilyn and all of the Montgomery family we send our deepest condolence.
The Odsather family
And, AHS Class of '61, the last class of Anchorage High School
Andrew Langel
October 12, 2013
Mr. Montgomery was a great principal during my years at AHS (Class of '60). He was always respectful and he was in return respected by his staff and students. His consistent leadership influenced many teachers and students. He will be missed.
Aileen Swanson herring
October 11, 2013
Joe Montgomery was my high school principal. He set a standard that you wanted to meet and not disappoint. He was one of the greatest generation and it showed.
Nancy Hunt Verlinde
October 11, 2013
I stand in awe of Joe Montgomery and the "Greatest Generation." Mr. Montgomery will be missed by all whose lives he touched. He was a true gentleman and a compassionate man.
East High - 1963
Margaret Shaw
October 11, 2013
Mr. Montgomery - a role model of a life well-lived, and a positive influence on so many young men and women. A great guy!
Louis J Garcia
October 11, 2013
Mr. Montgomery may have passed away physically but his caring and positive spirit will live in our hearts forever.
Louis J. Garcia, Class of 1958.
Barbara Cruz-Stallone
October 11, 2013
Julie and Marilyn, I was so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. We were looking forward to having him attend our 50th reunion next year.We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
katherine goins
October 11, 2013
I was also one of Mr. Montgomery's "kids" graduating in 1962 and it was always a pleasure to see him at our reunions. We kids all adored him. Blessings to his family. Kathy (Pottle) Goins
Dave Holland
October 11, 2013
A truly wonderful man who touched so many lives. My condolences to the family and thank you for sharing him with all of us.
October 11, 2013
My most sincere condolences to the family.
Dave Holland Class of '62
October 11, 2013
Your loss is felt in our hearts. For no matter the age we never get use to not having our loved ones near to enjoy being in our lives.
May it comfort you in knowing, Jehovah and his son both are deeply pained when life is loss. May Jesus own words at John 11:11-25 bring hope that he will awaken all those asleep in his father's memory to enjoy their life again but on an Earth free of grief and suffering as guaranteed by Numbers 23:19 quote,"God is not a mere man who tells lies....When he says something will he not do it? When he speaks, will he not carry it out?" New World Translation
May you look forward to Jehovah and Jesus plans for our beautiful Earth which includes our loved ones.
Jane & Family
Sue Greene Shidaker
October 11, 2013
Joe was a superb administrator and leader and a valued friend of over 40 years. He will live in many, many memories of those of us who knew him.
Kenneth James
October 11, 2013
I graduated from Anchorage High in 1960 and remember him with much fondness. He was a great principal. He was at out 50th reunion in 2010.
Kelly Christenson
October 11, 2013
Joe was a great administrator, kind, supportive, encouraging, a real gentleman, and he will leave a great legacy. My deepest sympathy to the family.
October 11, 2013
Julie and Marilyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful kind and caring man.
Howard Hosken
October 11, 2013
Joe Montgomery changed my life forever. He hired me to be on his staff as a first year teacher in 1964. Joe was a tremendous man in all areas of his life. I am so lucky to have had Mr. Montgomery in my life.
Virginia Richardson-Croner
October 11, 2013
Graduation 1962, Remember him well.
Joe Bacci
October 11, 2013
I enjoyed attending Anchorage H.S. at the end of the 'Fifties. Mr. Montgomery was both a good principal and a good guy.
Nadara Martin Williams
October 11, 2013
I graduated in 1963 from East High where he was principal. He was a wonderful, fair man and we enjoyed going there under his guidance. I know he will be missed.
Judy Mueller-Jett
October 11, 2013
I went through every grade in the Anchorage school system and graduated from AHS in 1960. I remember well Mr. Montgomery from an early age. He did not flaunt his authority but treated each one as special. He sincerely cared for all his students. His interest in "his kids" continued even after I graduated. He attended almost all of our class reunions, even after he used his cane to get around. He will always remain a giant of a man in my memories.
Sheila Stewart
October 11, 2013
My Uncle Joe, Dado, was one of my best friends. He always had kind, supporting and uplifting words for me and I loved making him laugh. He was big and strong. Wise and patient. I wish I could share all my memories here...I have so many. I can't pick a favorite. I will miss our conversations and thank God I got to spend time with Dado this past July. I will miss you dearly Dado.
October 11, 2013
We live to be 70 and if by some special mightiness 80,(PSALM 90:10) well Joe had some special mightiness to have lived to be 95. May the family be comforted not only by the warm memories but the long legacy he left of a life well lived. To the Mongomery family and friends my heartfelt condolences for your beloved JOE.
Pat McDowell
October 10, 2013
To Marilyn, Julie and all your family: sincerest condolences on your loss. Joe was respected and loved by so many. Having just lost my own dad, I know how hard it is to imagine a world without our fathers in it. Jim and my hearts are with you at this difficult time.
Sophie (Ondola) Gutierrez
October 10, 2013
Mr Montgomery was a very fair person. I was one of the kids of the 50s. RIP
October 10, 2013
Julie and Family-----I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's death----my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs to you---Linda Johnson
John Montgomery
October 10, 2013
Joe was my (our) Principal at East Anchorage in 1961-1963 at the beginning of the new high school and led us in establishing our colors, mascot and traditions. He was an exceptional person and a great leader and always had time to share when it was most needed. I had the opportunity to see and talk with Joe and his wife in 2003 at our 40th year and had hoped to see him this past September at our 50th year reunion. He was an inspiration leader, with a firm hand and gave all who knew him a sense of worth and value. Thanks to his daugters for allowing us to share such a great man.
Ruth Ann (Walkup) Stearns
October 10, 2013
As one of "the kids of the '50s" I believe the highlight of many reunions was seeing Joe again. He was a truly wonderful educator and friend.
Much love and sympathy to the family.
Donna Shaw
October 10, 2013
Joe Montgomery was my principal from Jr High through High School. I was fortunate to go with him to East in 1962. Usually students deal with Vice Prin. for activities and discipline. Joe made himself available to all of us. I worked in the office my senior year. Through my father and our East/West Reunions over the years, I feel that I got to know the person he was....and he was inspiring! He will always be in our hearts
Donna J Shaw Class of 1962
Linda Ball
October 10, 2013
Joe, "Daddo" was everyone's favorite uncle, including me. We all called him Daddo. He was the sweetest uncle ever, always concerned and supportive of me. When he was superintendent of the Anchorage School District, if any of us kids (nieces or nephews) would graduate from high school, he came to our graduation and personally handed us our diplomas and gave us big hugs, much to our embarrassment (but not really)! He was the glue that held the family together since most of the other aunts and uncles are gone, and I will miss him terribly. Love ya Daddo!
October 10, 2013
Joe Montgomery was THE gentleman of the Anchorage School District for many generations of students and parents. Our class, '61, had many sets of twins and many challenges - the good and the
testers. He was a friend to both students and parents. Thank you, Joe!
Doreen Dunnigan Donald
Kathleen Dionne
October 10, 2013
My respects and condolences to Mr. Montgomery's family from a 1962 graduate(Kathy Engebreth)of West Anchorage High. Reading his obituary it is no wonder he was so widely respected and loved.
October 10, 2013
Marilyn, Julie and family. Your dad was very simply the best, always. I've been blessed, along with many others, to have been around Joe most of my life, through family, school, working in Juneau and any number of AHS "1961" reunions. I recall his wise counsel and friendship through all of this. I can picture him in the halls of AHS, towering over us students always with a friendly greeting.
I am so sorry for your loss, though I know Joe will live forever in our hearts and minds, best wishes to you and your family. Terry Dale.
Janie Leask
October 10, 2013
I graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1966. My mother worked for Mr. Montgomery. He was a respected principal and administrator. My thoughts are with his family.
October 10, 2013
Thomas D. Armstrong Anc Class of 1959 and Shirley L. Wortham Armstrong EHS Class of 1962. He was the best neither I or Tom ever had to go to the principals office. It was good to see him at the East-West 1962 50th Class Reunion last year.
October 10, 2013
I too was a graduate of AHS in 1959; and have always remembered Mr. Montgomery as one of the finest principals that I ever had. Many teachers and principals have faded from my memory over the years, but not Mr. Montgomery.
Warren Krotke
Liz (Thomas)Sullivan
October 10, 2013
I graduated in 1956 and remember Joe very well. He was a very well liked gentleman and so good at his profession.
Pamela Montgomery
October 10, 2013
My dad, Bob Montgomery, and his big brother Joe shared so many life experiences including the great adventure of coming north to Alaska. Joe was my dad's best friend and lifelong mentor. He was the same for me. I'm going to really miss my Uncle Joe.
Lucy Groh
October 10, 2013
Joe Montgomery was a respected educator and mentor for the Anchorage School system. He helped to establish Anchorage and Alaska by insisting on high standards from both the teachers and the students. May he rest in peace from a life well lived.
dennis granum
October 10, 2013
I graduated from AHS in 1959 and knew Joe very well. In fact i delivered papers to his home for several years in the 50's. He was always a great leader a well respected by his staff and students. He lived a long and great life and I'm sure will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to see him at our 50th reunion 4 years ago.
Jim Hanrahan
October 10, 2013
Always fair and always friendly!
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