Central West River – James “Jim” Montgomery, 83, of Central West River, Pictou County died Tuesday, November 13, 2007, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born on March 23, 1924, in Montreal, Quebec, he was a son of the late Thomas and Thomena (Robinson) Montgomery. Jim is survived by his wife, the former Marion MacDonald, Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow; and a brother, Thomas (Elizabeth) Montgomery, Gold River, Western Shore. Jim attended Westhill High School, Montreal, and at the early age of 16 joined the Angus Shop CPR to start an apprenticeship as a machinist. In 1942 at the age of 18, Jim joined the RCNVR and in 1949 was promoted to Second Class Petty Officer ERA. In 1954 Jim joined the Royal Canadian Navy permanently. During his career with the RCN Jim served on 14 different ships and in 1954 sailed the Northwest Passage, Panama Canal and back to Halifax. One year before Jim retired from the RCN, Jim and Marion were married at HMCS Stadacona Chapel on March 31st, 1973. In 1974 when Jim retired from the RCN he and Marion built their home in Central West River. Jim joined the West River Presbyterian Church, Durham, where he served on the Board of Managers, and was President of the Men’s Club. From 1975-1987 Jim worked at the Post Office in Pictou as a postal clerk. Before Marion’s stroke in 1999 they loved to travel. They travelled across Canada many times. For the next five years Jim cared for Marion in their home until he was no longer able to due to his own failing health. Jim’s lengthy battle with cancer started at the age of 70 with numerous hospitalizations. Throughout his courageous battle with cancer you could always depend on Jim for an interesting and knowledgeable conversation. Jim was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #16, Pictou (Naval), the Overseas Veterans Association, Pictou County, RCNA of Pictou County and served on the Board of Directors West River Fire Hall for many years. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 today in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday from the Durham Presbyterian Church with Rev. Barbara Fotheringham officiating with burial in the Durham Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to a charity of one’s choice.