Obituary of James H. Montague

James H. Montague, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 8, 2019. Diagnosed with brain cancer in the spring, his remaining time was spent surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends in the home he grew up in. A lifetime Syracuse resident and parishioner at St. Ann’s Church, he attended Most Holy Rosary School and was part of the first graduating class at Bishop Ludden High School. He graduated from Stonehill College in Massachusetts and proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves. He returned to the Syracuse area to begin his career in accounting, later forming Clark-Montague Associates with his uncle.

Jim devoted his life to his Irish Heritage. He was a founding member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Cortland, created the Everything Irish Newsletter, and was a co-founder and longtime committee member of the CNY Feis. Jim developed one of the first computer scoring systems utilized in Irish Dance competitions, and later helped to form FeisWeb, traveling to feiseanna around the country to assist with tabulations.

Jim was full of personality and charm, and loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family and friends sharing stories of the past. He cherished his large family and was a proud Papa Bone to his grandchildren. His laughter, smile and charm will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all lucky enough to have known him.

Jim was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Mary and Edward Montague; his brother, John Montague; his best friend, Donald V. Murphy, III; and his grandson, Shane Tremper.

Survivors: He leaves behind his loving wife, Bethany “Beth” Gordon Montague; his children Kate Montague McCarthy (Chris), Michael Montague (Rei), Patrick Montague (Jen), and Mary Montague Tremper (Jamie); his siblings Edward “Tom” Montague (Mary Ellen “Mame”), Jeremy “Jerry” Montague, Ellen Montague Murphy Flynn (Bob); his grandsons Ben, Colin and Nathan Montague, Danny and Ryan McCarthy, Owen and Gabe Tremper; his sweet granddaughter Allie McCarthy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces,nephews and loved ones.

Services: 10 am Friday September 13, at St. Ann's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be 3 to 7 pm Thursday at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St.

Contributions may be made to St. Charles - St. Ann's Parish, 4471 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13219 or Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088, hospicecny.org/memorial-donation.