James Montgomery

1941 - 2025

Furrs Community-James Edward Montgomery died peacefully in his sleep in the morning hours of Saturday, November 15, 2025 from his longtime residence in the Furrs Community. James was 84 years old. James was born Aug. 29, 1941 in East Tupelo at home on Lake St. to Clara Belle Ivy Montgomery and Novel Montgomery. He spent his early years there growing up fishing in Gum Pond, a large lake which covered much of East Tupelo. Fishing, hunting and being blessed by nature were among his earliest blessings-an enjoyment and source of food right up till his death. His early life was filled with struggles but he was loved by his siblings, parents and learned good values early. A rough and tumble lad, he was adventurous and inquisitive. James began regular work at age 6 helping his dad roof houses. He rebelled against his father for lack of payment for his labor. Eventually, he went to work for TKE Durg Store dropping out of school in the 8th grade to earn wages to help his Mom with family expenses. At age 14, he got his second job working for J. T. Borden and Company, a job that paid more and he loved. In 1957, at age 17, he joined the U. S. Air Force in what he thought would be a career. He did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Tx, a big city to him and his first experience on an airplane. He loved the experience but his tenure was cut short due to the fact that the standard issue boots aggravated a foot injury he suffered as a child while chopping wood. Six months in, he received a medical discharge and came home to Lee Co. He was admiring a 51 Cadillac when he was asked to take a spin with Mary Alice Holcomb, a beautiful lady who later he married on Nov. 30, 1960. Mary Alice and James had three beautiful daughters, Alicia, Monte and Greta. They all had a happy life together and all were grief stricken when complications of a stroke finally took her life on May 12, 2019. James was never scared of hard work. He worked in various trades prior to owning his own business, Montgomery Floors beginning in 1973 out of his work shop. He later moved the successful business to West Main Street near Ballard Park, eventually selling to his brother, Roy. In 1984, he developed and owned The Meadows Golf Course in Furrs. James was a longtime member of Furrs Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and many years as Song leader. Additionally, he served as a Gideon speaking in Churches everywhere. He was sure of his Christian faith and that he would be with the Lord when his time here was finished. A lover and respecter of God's creation, James loved hunting, fishing, spending time in the woods, creeks and lakes of our area. He had deer mountings galore in his home of which he was proud. James began to purchase land in Lee, Chickasaw and Union Counties for deer hunting and even build a family cabin for sharing special times like Christmas, birthdays and other important functions. James was a good man, hard worker, a family man, a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his girls and their families. A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Furrs Baptist Church with his former pastor, Bro. Steve Cohea officiating. Private burial will be in Pontotoc Memorial Gardens on Hwy 9. Visitation will be from Noon-service time today only at the Church. Holland Funeral Directors -Tupelo Chapel is honored to be serving their family and friends.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Alicia Todd (Randy), Monte Harris (Terry), And Greta McMullan (Carey), all of Furrs Community; brothers, Robert Montgomery of Kennesaw, GA, Roy Montgomery (Joann) of Mantachie, and Larry Montgomery of Tupelo and sister, Ann Clement of Tupelo; grandchildren, Allison Forman (Jacob), Audrey Gentry (Adam), Jeb Todd (Margaret), Courtney McGaha (Joseph), Jordan Harris (Lauren), Aiden Harris, and Grace McMullan; great-grandchildren, Hank, Lainey, Lola, Rett, Lawson, Jackson, Jon Spencer, Calla, and Harper; a host of nieces and nephews; longtime true friend, Billy Wayne Dillard. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Mary Alice Holcomb Montgomery, and sister, Shirley Montgomery.

Pallbearers are his grandsons; Jeb Todd, Jacob Forman, Adam Gentry, Aiden Harris, Jordan Harris, and Joseph McGaha. Memorials may be made only to"Furrs Bap Church/in care of Bill Malone" 4634 WhiteChapel Lane, Belden, MS, 38826. Condolences to the family may be posted at Hollandfuneraldirectors.com/James E. Montgomery. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to serve their friends.