James Ronald Montgomery

Ron was born to Hugh and Ruth (Wayman) Montgomery on February 27, 1937, in Holt, Missouri. Along with his cousin, Bob Hellgren, he spent five years in early childhood raised by his grandparents. Their mothers were hospitalized with tuberculosis 300 miles away. Later, he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, for high school, where he played first chair cornet and was an officer in the ROTC. He also met his forever love, Faye Knapp. Except for a brief break, they have been together ever since.

From 1954 – 1958, he and Bob served together in the U.S. Coast Guard. He then returned to attend Kansas State University. In 1960, Ron and Faye married and lived in Topeka. After graduating from Washburn University, Ron was offered a position in Human Resources with the Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth. During this time, daughter Kim was born. He later transferred to a new role at the Federal Correctional Youth Institute in Lompoc, California. Son Doug was added to his family there.

In 1967, Ron and Faye moved their growing family to Boulder, Colorado, where he began a Human Resources Manager position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Daughter Shana was born two years later. He retired from NOAA in 1996, after creating some lasting friendships with his beloved colleagues. Since then, Ron has worked part-time driving rental cars for Avis. In more recent years, he and Faye lived in Mesa, Arizona, during the winter months, where they developed new bonds with fellow “Snowbirds.” They enjoyed playing table games and going to lectures and concerts with Faye’s sister and friends. He loved music – especially male gospel quartets – art, photography, and was an avid reader.

Ron was a faithful Christian who read his Bible every day. He was very active in helping to grow Bethany Baptist Church in Boulder, Colorado, for nearly four decades. He also served as church treasurer and sound engineer there. He and Faye developed numerous lasting friendships within the congregation. In 2004, they moved to Longmont, and have been active in Bible study groups, Sunday School, and senior activities at Grace Church.

Ron will be remembered for his faith in Jesus, quiet wisdom, sweet tooth, thriftiness, playful sense of humor, finding deals at auctions, and devotion to his family and friends. We will miss him beyond measure.

Ron is survived by his wife, Faye, daughter Kim (Mark) Meadows, son Doug (Nan) Montgomery, daughter Shana (Darren) Foster, grandchildren Troy, Lauren, Abby, Noah, great-grandson Leo, and sister-in-law Opal Featherston.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of UCHealth Long’s Peak Hospital, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, TRU Community Care (Hospice), and Home Instead for the loving care they provided to Ron in his final days.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Grace Church, 2415 Lake Park Dr., Longmont, Colorado. A private burial will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Grace Church Youth Fund at 2415 Lake Park Dr., Longmont, Colorado, 80503 or TRU Community Care at 2594 Trailridge Dr. E, Lafayette, CO 80026.