James Earl Montgomery

James Earl Montgomery

August 16, 1945 – February 6, 2025

James Montgomery (Jim) died peacefully at home in Cambria, California, on February 6 with his wife by his side.

Born in Tennessee, the son of Earl and Florence Montgomery, he grew up in southern California, where he was active in scouting. He earned Eagle Scout rank and was also elected to Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of Boy Scouts of America. A graduate of California Lutheran University, he earned a BA in pre-med science in 1967 before enlisting in the Army, later earning a Master’s Degree in Economics from Northern Colorado University.

A highly decorated army helicopter pilot, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Standardization Instructor Pilot, twice earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as the Meritorious Service Award, a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many other medals for heroism and bravery. After thirteen years, Major Montgomery left active duty but remained in the U.S. Army active reserves, settling in Tucson, Arizona, where he started an investment business, married, and raised a daughter.

Jim moved to Cambria, CA, in 1993, fulfilling his dream to live at the beach, where he married Carla Swift, his childhood sweetheart. He volunteered for the Marine Mammal Center, earned Enrolled Agent status, taught tax preparation classes, and worked part time as a tax preparer for several years while enjoying “the SLO life.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Carla Swift, a brother, two daughters, two sons-in-law, a step-daughter, a stepson, and six grandchildren who loved him very much. He recently pinned army second lieutenant bars on his oldest grandson, who is proudly following in “Grandpa Jim’s” footsteps.

He will be celebrated in a private family service. Anyone wishing to honor his memory can do so with a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to Jim’s heart.