Jim Edward Montgomery

James Edward Montgomery, 80, of Manly, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Whistle Stop Activity Center/Manly Senior Center in Manly, Iowa. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.

James “Jim” Montgomery was born on January 4, 1945, in Mason City, Iowa, to Dean and Dorothy (Miller) Montgomery. He graduated from Manly High School in 1963. Following graduation, Jim completed basic training and later served in the United States Navy Reserve.

Jim began his career at Gisholt Machine Company in Madison, Wisconsin, before returning to Manly to farm his family’s land. He later worked as a maintenance technician at Fleetguard and then Dras Cases Inc. in Lake Mills, Iowa. He earned an associate degree from North Iowa Area Community College in 1996.

On May 28, 1998, Jim married Avis Montgomery. The couple lived in Lake Mills until her passing in 2022. He then returned to Manly, where he enjoyed spending time at the Manly Senior Center.

Jim was passionate about amateur radio and operated under the call sign KOGFU. He was a pioneer in the development of ethanol as a fuel and was credited with inventing the first on-farm alcohol production facility. He was also a dedicated Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America and a proud member of the Manly American Legion Post 110. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his family.

Jim is survived by his sister, Kay Hedegard of Plymouth, Iowa; his five children: Peter (Kristy) Montgomery of Lake Mills, Iowa; Christopher Montgomery of Paragould, Arkansas; Jay (Angela) Montgomery of Monticello, Minnesota; Heidi (Chris Cowden) Brown of Des Moines, Iowa; and Jon (Tatiana) Montgomery of Mason City, Iowa. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Dorothy Montgomery; his wife, Avis; and his brother-in-law, Roger Hedegard.