Thomas James "T.J." Montgomery

CARBONDALE – Thomas James (T.J.) Montgomery, 93, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017 in St. Francis Medical in Cape Girardeau, MO.   



   Thomas James was born on January 7, 1924 in Desoto to James Montgomery and Myrtle Broadway. T.J. married Shirley Dell Maness on June 12, 1948 in Carbondale, IL with whom he shared 61 wonderful years together until her passing on June 28, 2009.   T.J. proudly served in the U.S. Army and fought in the Philippines.     



   He also served in and retired from the U.S. Air Force.  He later worked and retired from SIUC as a maintenance supervisor.  He is survived by two sons, James (Carolyn) of Murphysboro, and Thomas (Cheryl) of Dayton, OH; grandchildren Ronald (Cassie) Montgomery, Brian (Krista) Montgomery, Michael Montgomery, Shaun Montgomery, Lara (Martin) Reynolds.  T.J. is also survived by beloved Great-Grandchildren:  Ethan, Noah, and Sammy Montgomery, Matthew (Kayla) Turnbow, Megan and Morgan Turnbow, Joseph Montgomery, Connor Reynolds, Jade Montgomery and James (JT) Montgomery including Great-Great-Grandson Lucas Turnbow.    



   He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Mary Rosalie and Dorothy and loving wife Shirley and Grand-Daughter Rhonda Montgomery Clark.   T.J. will be missed by family and numerous friends who loved him dearly.    



   Visitation will be on Thursday July 13th, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale.  Funeral services will also be held at Meredith Funeral Home on Friday July 14th at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. John Annable officiating.  Burial will be at De Soto City Cemetery with full Military Rites being conducted.  If you would like to share a story or memory of T.J., please visit, www.meredithfh.com.