Jake Montgomery Jr.

MONTGOMERY, JR. JOHN HARVEY age 92, of Dallas, TX passed peacefully June 17, 2013 at Walnut Place. He was born February 3, 1921 in Dallas, TX to parents, John Harvey, Sr. and Selma Jo (Smith). Jake was the oldest of 3 children. He married Sarah Merle Moore in Oak Cliff, TX on July 20,1947. They had 2 children. He attended Crossier Technical High School in Dallas, graduating June 1939. July 1942, he enlisted in the US Army, was stationed in Casablanca/Northern Africa and Naples, Italy, and was discharged Technician Fifth Grade, October 1945. He was able to be in the Dallas Honor Flight in October of 2009. A longtime resident of Garland, Texas, 54 years; he was an active member of 1st UMC of Garland - member and several times leader of the Couple's Sunday School Class; served several times on the Administrative Board, Finance Committee, and as a Trustee; leader of Young Adult Sponsors; enjoyed Bible and book studies. He volunteered many years for Garland Salvation Army as advisor and "kettle counter." He enjoyed extensive national and international travel with Merle, family, and friends. A 50 Yr Lions Club member of the Garland Host Lions Club, Jake served as President 1975 - 1976 and in all positions but tail-twister. He was honored December 2005 with the distinguished Melvin Jones award, making him the club's first recipient of the highest award given a Lion. Jake graduated with a Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN being voted "Most Outstanding Fraternity Member." His professional life as optometrist and optician, in the Garland Shopping Center, spanned 11 yrs. with Texas State Optical and over 21 yrs self-employed. Jake will be lovingly remembered by his children, daughter and son-in-law Rebecca Montgomery and Ronald Smith of Tyler, TX; and son and daughter-in-law John and Kathryn Montgomery of Columbia, MO. He is also survived by grandchildren Neal and Sherlyn Smith and their sons Garrett and Gage; Ashley (Smith) and Kyle Hargett, sons Kreed, Brigg, Cullen; Courtney (Smith) and Ryan Kidwell, daughter Austyn, son Connor; Whitney (Smith) and Chad Riedel; Lindsey (Smith) and Andrew Pfaff, daughter Grace; Aaron and Lisa Montgomery, son Macin; Sarah (Montgomery) and Tom Giessmann, son Troy; and Ryan Montgomery; brother and sister-in-law Don and Margie Montgomery, brother-in-law James Barrett; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister Janell (Montgomery) Averitt, brother-in-law Billy Moore, sister-in-law Nancy Barrett; brother- and sister in-law Truitt and Margaret (Moore) Henson. A service of remembrance will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Restland Wildwood Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment immediately following at Restland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Garland.