He faced courageously every physical challenge with grace, humor, thoughtfulness, and candor.
Illness does not define the story of Jim Montague’s life, however. He lived joyfully and completely as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and friend. He cared deeply for everyone he came in contact with and framed every day of his personal and professional life seeking ways to make the world better, more just, and full of hope for others. Jim’s infectious smile could light up a room but it was his dry wit, his sharp intellect, genuine compassion, strong work ethic, uncanny sense of humor, and his steadfast love for his family that were his hallmarks. His selfless contributions to his family, friends, and countless students truly made a difference in the lives of so many.
A lifelong educator, Jim began his career at Bishop Hendricken High School as a teacher and counselor and then moved to the College Board, where he supported secondary schools throughout New England. Jim’s appointment at Boston Latin School as Director of Guidance was his dream job. A testament to his extraordinary impact on the BLS community was recognized when he received the Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Award in October 2005.
Jim was an avid Boston sports fan and celebrated the ups and downs of the Sox and Pats since he was a kid. He participated in every activity with his family, from fishing and skiing, to biking, mini-golf, and the movies, but his passion was golf, and for years, his would often be the first footsteps in the morning dew at Nehoiden Golf Course. While he was the proud original winner of the Montague Cup and never missed the opportunity to tell the story of his only hole-in-one, nothing truly made him happier than watching his grandkids on the pitch in a soccer match.
Jim is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Kristen Papa (Anthony) and son Jason (Julissa) and his four grandchildren, Emma, Katie, and Jenna Papa and Jaxson Montague. In addition, he is survived by his sisters Gail Hoffman of Naperville, IL and Pamela Montague of Doylestown, PA, his sister and brother-in-law Anne and Richard Sadow of Dartmouth, MA, and Thomas Burke of Lemont, IL, along with dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his brother Jeffrey and his parents James H. and Margaret M. Montague.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in Jim’s memory be made to the South Coast VNA Hospice (southcoast.org) or to Boston Latin School (BLS.org), where gifts will contribute to a fund for students in need that Jim himself directed during his many years of service to the BLS community.
A private funeral mass (due to COVID restrictions) will be held on Monday, March 29th at St John’s Church in Westport, MA. A memorial gathering in celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.waring-sullivan.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5