James A. Montigny

Lifelong Erie brick mason James Allen Montigny passed away June 6, 2025 at age 83. Known as Jim, he died peacefully in the afternoon with his wife and a daughter at his side.
Jim Montigny was a gifted brick mason and member of Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 9 PA. His craftsmanship extended into commercial, government and residential projects, including local schools, the Erie Federal Courthouse and even a residential restoration in far-flung San Francisco. Jim remembered every building he ever worked on, what he did and who he worked with. He could build just about anything, and built his own house.
Jim could fix just about anything, too. He repaired his own cars, nurtured his 1956 Thunderbird, and kept his tractors in good shape. He proudly mowed his lawn with a riding Cub Cadet he bought new more than 50 years ago. Always on the go, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. Later in life, he developed a passion for gardening. Each year, he grew tomatoes from seed to get his favorite varieties.
Jim was born in Erie on February 15, 1942 to the late Marshall and Mary (McCoy) Montigny. He was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Marshall Montigny, Dorothy Zielewski, Audrey Foltyn, Lois Schmidt, and by two sons James (Jimmy) and John.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann (Kazeva) Montigny, two daughters, Joyce Montigny (husband Scott Ticer), and Melissa DiGiovanna (husband Sylvester); eight grandchildren, Grayson Ticer, Marshall Ticer, Jameson DiGiovanna, Cisco DiGiovanna, Audrey DiGiovanna, Joseph DiGiovanna, Jude DiGiovanna, and Michael DiGiovanna; and two great grandchildren, Donald DiGiovanna and George DiGiovanna. He is also survived by one sister, Marilyn Lynch, and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at Saint Luke Church, 421 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504 on Friday June 13 at 10 AM. After the service, the funeral will proceed to the Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery, 2601 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510. All are welcome.