Jim L. Montgomery

Jim L. Montgomery, 81, of Little Rock departed this life on Thursday, November 22, 2012 peacefully at home. Jim was born March 10, 1931, in Canton, Mississippi to James Lester Montgomery and Estelle "Polly" Cauthen Montgomery. Jim graduated from Canton High School and Mississippi State University. He spent his entire career with Aetna Insurance Company as Employee Benefits Manager in Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Following retirement, he served five years, along with his wife Mary Frances, as Camp Director for Camp Mitchell located on beautiful Petit Jean Mountain. He is pre-deceased by his parents, step-mother Vivian Quinn West Montgomery Edwards, step-brother Robert H. West, and his beloved wife Mary Frances "Miff" Williams Montgomery. He is survived by his brother C. Robert Montgomery, step-sister Anne Seay, his children Polly Montgomery Deems (Don) of Little Rock, Cyndy Montgomery Tilden (Don) of Dallas, James "Jim" Montgomery (Tonya) of Denver, his grandchildren Taylor and Alex Deems, and Parker, Westin, Madison, and Kelsey Montgomery, and eleven nieces and nephews. Caroline Stevenson, his loving and devoted companion, also survives him. Jim was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and served in many leadership roles such as Senior Warden, Vestry Member, Search Committee Member, and was the proud Scout Master for Troop 7. He cared deeply about the scouting program and spent over 50 years assisting scouts with their goal of achieving their Eagle rank. He was an active member of Troop 045 for senior scouts and was very humbled to have the Troop 7 Scout Hut named for him. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many weeks on the Buffalo River and Big Piney Creek with the "Jasper in June" group. Hunting birds of any kind was a way to get away with his "hunting buddies." He brought home duck, turkey, quail, pheasant, dove and some great stories to tell, as well. Jim enjoyed his many road trips with family and friends and the regular dinners out with the "birthday group." The family would like to thank his caregivers Ann McElroy, Susie Parker, Shelby Wilkerson, Marilyn Anderson, and Erma Esau all of whom treated him with respect and compassion these last several years of his life. The family offers a special thanks to his personal physician and dear friend Dr. Harold Hedges. And, finally, the family is grateful to Arkansas Hospice for making his last days comfortable and giving him his wish to pass at home. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, November 27 at 11 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest in the columbarium located in the courtyard of the church. A reception will follow the service in the church's parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 or Boy Scouts of America, Quapaw Area Council, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. "May God hold us all in the palm of his hand."