John Rogerson Montgomery III

John Montgomery died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on November 10, 2015. Born May 16, 1930, John was the eldest son of Helen (Fyke) & John R. Montgomery. John was the third generation in his family to live in Winnetka, Illinois. He graduated from New Trier High School in 1948, Williams College in 1952, and earned his MBA at night at the University of Chicago. After college, John went to work at the Northern Trust Company. During these early years, John also served in the Korean War where he earned a bronze star. In 1966, John left the Northern Trust Company to become the first president of a new bank, Lakeside Bank, on the near Southside of Chicago. John’s enthusiasm and vision as President for over 30 years was instrumental in its growth. As he used to say, “We opened the bank with 12 employees waiting for the first customers to come through the door.” Today, Lakeside Bank has 6 branches and over a billion dollars in assets.

Throughout his business career, John Montgomery was active in civic endeavors. He was especially committed to developing the near Southside of Chicago, serving as Chairman and President of the Southside Planning Board for over 30 years. He was also President of the Banker’s Club of Chicago, President of the Illinois Banker’s Association, and President of the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, John was involved with his alma mater and many clubs, serving as President of the Williams Class of ’52, President of the University Club of Chicago, and President of Hillsboro Club in Florida. He also served for a number of years as a trustee of the John G. Shedd Aquarium. When John retired from Lakeside Bank, he continued on as Vice Chairman, on the Board of Directors, and as a member of the executive committee for many years.

John was husband to Elizabeth Graham Montgomery and the late Dorothy “DeeDee” Smart Montgomery; father to John Montgomery (Lynne), DeeDee Myers (David), and Sally Jones (Ken); stepfather to William Graham and Melinda Graham; grandfather to Mari, Johnny, Jennifer, DeeDee, David, Sally, Brantner, Stephen, and Sarah; step-grandfather to Laila, Olivia, and Elizabeth; and brother to William Montgomery.

The memorial service to celebrate the life of John Rogerson Montgomery III will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 4:00 pm at the Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine Street, Winnetka, IL 60093.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Attn: Tracy M. Dana, 633 3rd Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Please note that the gift is in memory of John R. Montgomery III.