James Curtis Montgomery of Salisbury, a longtime faculty member and administrator at Catawba College, died Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the VA Hospice House. He was 89 years old.
His memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Catawba's Omwake-Dearborn Chapel. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Montgomery family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.
Montgomery joined Catawba College in 1965 and held a variety of positions until his retirement in 1992. He served as associate professor of education, teaching and supervising student teachers; head of the Advancement Center, directing an enrichment program for students; and assistant dean of educational services, teaching in the
education department, working with the
evening college and directing the non-credit courses and summer programs. He also served as college
registrar and chairman of the Faculty Senate.
A native of Mayodan, N.C., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during World War II. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC Chapel Hill and his Master of Education degree from UNC Greensboro. He worked as a teacher and principal at Sadler Elementary School in Reidsville; a principal at Bethany School in Reidsville; and a principal at Main Street Junior High School and Thomasville Senior High School in Thomasville. He left the public school system to join Catawba College.
A member of First Presbyterian Church, he was active in the Salisbury Civitan Club for many years, serving in leadership positions on the local, area and district levels, including Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina District West. He was awarded Honor Keys on the local and district level and was a certified Civitan Club Builder. He was also an active participant in the club's Civitan Foundation.
Survivors include wife Polly Jean and daughter Tana Lea Montgomery; a brother, William Donald Montgomery (wife Shirley, daughter Donna Noonkester, granddaughter Kristen). Nieces Kathy Gelb and husband Gregg and Judy Margulis and husband John.
