James Carroll Montgomery

James Carroll "Jim" Montgomery, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Jim was born on June 2, 1947, in Lake Charles, LA to Alfreda Branson Montgomery and W.M. "Duck" Montgomery. Having lost his beloved wife of 45 years, Galyn Seavey Montgomery, in January 2025, it seems Jim was eager to be reunited with her.

He was also preceded in death by his parents (above); his sister, Carolyn Conner; and his grandson, Alexander Hoffpauir.

Left to treasure his memory are his children, Charles "Charlie" Milliger (Delisa), Aimee Hoffpauir (Damon), and Jodi Chester; grandchildren, Alex Hoffpauir (Austynn), Darbee Hoffpauir (Chelsea), Jackson Milliger, Samuel Milliger, and Charlee Catherine Milliger; brothers, Buddy Montgomery (Mary Ellen), Mark Montgomery (Mary), and Charles Montgomery (Debbie); brother-in-law, Patrick Conner; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who he also considered as 'family'.

Jim never liked the word "step;" he always referred to Charlie and Aimee as his children and embraced them fully as his own and was a proud "Pappy" to his grandchildren.

A 1965 graduate of LaGrange Senior High, Jim joined the Army National Guard at 18, serving in artillery and training as a rifle sharpshooter. Commended for his work ethic, he embodied service and dedication. He went on to complete a joint apprenticeship with Sowela and IBEW Local 861, where he remained a proud union electrician for 50 years.

Jim's greatest passion outside of family was in various shooting sports. Jim began shooting skeet in 1969 at the Jean Laffite Gun Club in Lake Charles, LA and from 1975 on, he became a state and nationally recognized and respected competitor in skeet, trap, and sporting clays, excelling across multiple gauges and team competitions. His achievements were numerous, including:

First-team Member of the Louisiana All-State Skeet Team (1975-1978, 1999, 2001, 2014), in 1978 he was named team Captain

First-team Member of the All-American Skeet Team (1986, 1990), two Second-teams & three Honorable Mention-teams

Winner of fifteen State Championships w/ two HOA Titles

Holder of an NSSA World Record in 1977 with his 5-man team

High Overall World Champion (1987)

Inductee into the Louisiana Skeet Shooting Association Hall of Fame (2003)

Inductee into the NSCA/LSCA Hall of Fame (2008)

Beyond competition, Jim made it a core priority to give back to the sport as a Chief Referee, board member, shoot chairman at various gun clubs, mentor, and instructor, willingly sharing his keen expertise as a world-class shooter, while refusing any compensation, but helping countless shooters sharpen their skills. He owned and operated the Jean Lafitte Gun Club in Lake Charles, LA and AA Shooters Supply in Sulphur, LA, building strong trust with his customers and making lifelong friendships along the way. Later, while managing Cajun Elite Gun Club, he led the club to receive the NSCA High Volume Club Award in 2012.

Jim was also a member of numerous organizations, including NSSA, NSCA, LSCA, LSSA, the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the NRA-ILA (lifetime), the American Legion, IBEW Local 861, the Royal Order of FLE's, and served as a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Wayne McElveen.

A true sportsman, Jim loved various forms of hunting, even guiding duck hunts in his younger years, fly fishing, golf, and spoiling his dogs. He had an immense passion for dove hunting, in particular. He was a gifted storyteller, a masterful card player, and teacher at heart, passing along his knowledge of shooting, fishing, and golf to family and friends.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed playing cards (including on computer), watching old westerns, and spending time with his tight-knit circle of friends. He and Galyn also cherished many evenings playing trivia with their friends at OB's.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brookdale lead by Sherry Courts, Heart of Hospice, and his caregivers, Linda Fontenot and Nicole Papillion, for their compassionate care throughout his battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Jim will be remembered for his humor, generosity, loyalty, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and determination will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by services at 1:00 PM.