James Arthur Montague, 81, of Pine Bluff, was proud of his service to his country and loved the outdoors.

He died Monday, November 29, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Little Rock.

James was born December 24, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri, son of James Day and Virginia Loftis. He was adopted at about 10 years old by Harold and Ola Montague.

He was reared and received his early education in Missouri, graduating from Springfield High School in Springfield, Missouri.

James served in the United States Navy after High School. He credited the Navy for truly raising him into the man he became.

After his military service, Mr. Montague moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad, where retired as a pipefitter after over 30 years of service.

Mr. Montague was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Along with his biological and adoptive parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Sharalyn Sue Taylor Montague; brother, Gene Montague; and sister, Ginger Weeks.

Survivors include his daughter, Belinda Coats (Alan) of Rison; son, Larry Montague of Sulphur Springs; grandchildren, Krystle Chastain (Jimmy), Jami Stevens (Jeremy) and Gina Montague; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Brother Ronald Young officiating. Memorial visitation with family will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Robinson’s.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital - Attn: Tribute Department, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38148.

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Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com