EAST LIVERPOOL – James William “Bill” Montgomery, 69, of Armstrong Lane, passed away Friday, August 28,2020 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania following a seven-week battle with COVID 19.
Bill was born January 15, 1951 in East Liverpool, the son of the late James Allen “Red” and Christine Deshler Montgomery and was a proud Potter Alumnus and supporter his entire life. He loved his community as evidenced by his many activities. A star athlete, Bill was a graduate of the East Liverpool High School class of 1969 where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He was the pitcher on the 2nd place State Baseball Championship team of 1969. Bill maintained his love of Potter baseball and basketball throughout his life. He was the proud radio broadcaster of Potter Basketball; he founded the Potter Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament but was most proud of the many Potter players that he had the privilege of coaching.
He truly cared about his community giving his time and talent to many local non-profits. Most recently he served on the Board of Directors of BOSS, MRDD and the East Liverpool Area YMCA. He called St. John Lutheran Church home, where he served as past treasurer. If he wasn’t working or helping his community, he could usually be found on the golf course.
Following his graduation from Kent State University, Bill returned to East Liverpool and was the owner of Bill Montgomery Real Estate and Appraisals. Prior to that he was the co-owner of the MTM Insurance Company and later MEGA Insurance. Most recently he was the co-owner of the Venture Home Real Estate Company.
Bill is survived by his wife Kathy Conklin Montgomery, whom he married August 11,2007, two sons, Ryan Z. Montgomery and his partner Marcus Garcia of East Liverpool and Jonathan J. Montgomery and his wife, Jessica Trier of Chicago, Illinois; two step-children, Ashley Ravella and Devin Ravella of Durham, North Carolina.
He also leaves behind one brother, Ron Montgomery and his wife Ginny of The Villages, Florida; one sister-in-law Barbara Montgomery of East Liverpool; a niece Michelle Lawson and her husband Mike of Orrville, Ohio, another niece, Leigh Ann Smith and her husband Dean and son Jake of East Liverpool, nephew David Montgomery and his fiancée, Kelly Bogarski of Chino, California and nephew Michael Montgomery of Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby Montgomery and Gary Montgomery.
A private family service will be held at a later date with Pastor Eric Edwards of the church officiating.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to The Rebound Club, PO Box 5333, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.