James Montgomery

Chief James Montgomery April 16, 1918- November 10, 2006 PHENIX CITY, AL— Retired Phenix City Fire Chief James "Bud" Montgomery, 88, died Friday, November 10, 2006 at the Canterbury Health Care Facility in Phenix City, Ala. Cryptside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the mausoleum chapel at Lakeview Memory Gardens with the Reverend Robert Goodman officiating, according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Phenix City. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Chief Montgomery was born April 16, 1918 in Forsyth, Georgia son of the late John C. Montgomery and Frances Viola Braswell Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery joined the Phenix City Fire Department as a young man, serving until World War II when he left to serve in the Merchant Marines. When World War II ended he returned to the fire department where he remained until his retirement as chief with a total of 43 years of service. After retirement rather than being idle, he went back to his childhood job of delivering newspapers for the Columbus-Ledger where he was affectionately known as "Mr.Bud." His wife, Frances, was always his helpmate, calling on fire department volunteers and sometimes helping to fight the fires. Chief Montgomery always chided her saying, "He was going to get her some boots and a turn-out-suit." Frances and the children could often be seen on his paper route throwing papers whenever he needed help from them. Other than his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherri Lucas and sisters, Katie E. Parker and Zelma Whitehead. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Frances E. Hartley Montgomery of Phenix City; son and daughter-in-law, John D. and Zoraida Montgomery; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara D. and Joe Lunsford; six granddaughters; one grandson; two great grandsons; nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus Hospice, 1500 14th St., Phenix City, AL 36867 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. To sign the online guest registry please visit www.mem.com.