James Montgomery

JAMES MONTGOMERY

Cedar Rapids

The Montgomery family mourns the loss of their husband, father, uncle and grandfather.

CMSgt (retired) James Thomas Criswell Montgomery, James, known as Jim or Turhan, by family and friends, was born on Dec. 22, 1930, in the small town of Floreffe, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. As a teenager in the mid-40s, he traveled around the United States with his father doing construction work until joining the United States Air Force in 1952. His first assignments were in Turkey, where he met the love his life, Gulseren Ilter, in 1956. They married on Oct. 3, 1958.

He also served as a radar operations NCO and electrician at Air Force bases all over the Southern United States, Pennsylvania and Alaska. He not only fell in love with Gulseren, but her country of origin, Turkey, serving three tours there over his 28-year career.

He was a giving person who valued all people. He cared enough to remember the first and last names of almost everyone he met. His tender heart, quick wit and love of learning made him a remarkable storyteller and a joy to be around.

This very much respected and loved man is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gulseren; his daughter, Kismet and daughter-in-law Susan; son and namesake, James and daughter-in-law Chris; son, Kerim and daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn; and the following grandchildren, Lara Oettinger, Sally Neumann, Brennan Montgomery, Ayla Montgomery, Julianne Montgomery, Emre Montgomery and Caroline Montgomery.

He also is survived by sisters, Jane Montgomery Watkinson of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Sandi Montgomery Hernandez of Baltimore, Md.; sisters-in-law, Patricia Montgomery of Las Vegas, Nev., Nurseren Ilter of Fethiye, Turkey, and Gulgun Uckac of Yalova, Turkey.

We mourn his loss, but praise his life and are thankful to have so many wonderful memories. We love you, Dad and Dede (turkish word for grandfather). Thank you. You made the world a better place.