John Montroy, Jr.

John Montroy of Williamsburg passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the age of 92. He was born in Coahoma, MS, on April 6, 1924, to Denolice and John Montroy, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Arline Montroy, their infant daughter, Christine Ann, and his sister, Alise Montroy Lott. He leaves behind, his loving wife of 40 years, Sylvia Montroy; two nephews, Charles Lott (and family) of IA and John Lott (and family) of AL; his stepdaughter, Renee Gloria and step-granddaughter, Nichole Gloria (both of NJ); his stepson, Dane Latham of WV; and his beloved Siamese cat, Tempo.

While still in high school in Jonestown, MS, John applied his determination to become a pilot, and during his senior year received an appointment by his State senator to the 28th College Training Detachment (Aircrew) stationed on the campus of Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. After rigorous military and academic instructions, John was transferred to two air bases (TX and NM) where he trained on seven different aircraft. Because of John’s high standards of excellence for himself, he was assigned to pass those traits on as an instructor of B-24 and B-29 bombers. He trained many pilots who later faced danger during WWII to preserve the freedom we enjoy today.

Following the war, he entered the Automotive Industry, managing the Parts Distribution Depots across the Eastern U.S. for Studebaker Corp. until it ceased operation. From there in a similar capacity, he began with Mercedes-Benz of North America (currently known as Mercedes-Benz USA) in their Parts Division. He spent 27 years with Mercedes-Benz in various large cities in the U.S., the last one being Manhattan. He often recalls sitting on orange crates in an empty building in Manhattan, where as Parts Manager, he developed their vast Parts Department.

John retired in 1985, and he and Sylvia moved to Williamsburg. He became a member of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church and in those early years was active in United Methodist Men and various volunteer projects. He continued to enjoy flying in his small private aircraft, taking short sightseeing excursions with his family. He developed a love for wildlife, especially feeding birds and turtles. Woodworking and gardening were his other hobbies, and he was an avid football fan.

A Memorial service will be held for John at Nelsen’s Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 2 p.m. Burial, among his many ancestors, will take place later in the Montroy Cemetery in MS, established in 1888. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Montroy Cemetery Association, C/O Lisa Mosby Woods, PO Box 871, Olive Branch, MS 38654.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.