James E. "Taz" Montgomery, also known as Big Indian to many of his friends. age 77 of Toronto, OH passed away surrounded  by his loving family Monday, December 5, 2016.

He was born in Steubenville, OH October 17, 1939 the son of the late James Leroy and Daisy Mae (Hayes) Montgomery.

Taz was a member of the Toronto Wesleyan Church, member of AMVETS  post 125 and past 2nd vice commander of AMVETS 16th district, Ohio Patriot Guards and was a graduate of the Jewett High School.

He never met a stranger loved to fish and play Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny all over the area at Christmas and Easter time. He brought laughter and sunshine everywhere he went.

Taz served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War era as a radioman on Boston class guided missile cruiser USS Canberra.

He had been employed as a truck driver for the Youngstown Cartage Co, Green Lines of Malvern and the Humes Trucking Co. of Weirton, WV. He served as a union steward for the Teamsters Union.

Taz was preceded in death by his parents;  brothers Johnnie Montgomery, Ronald and Donald Koontz, Leroy Montgomery  and great grandson Jonathan.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Elaine (Poole) Montgomery whom he married March 30, 2001; children, Rhonda  (John "Skeeter) Hearlson of Wellington, KS, Cheryl (Stephen) Yagello of Massillon, OH, Barbara Jean (Bill) McClain of Toronto, OH, Elmer (Susan) Monigold of Wintersville, OH, James (Heather Elder) Monigold of Toronto, OH; Roy Skeen of CT. and Donna (Bert) Snyder of Minerva, OH; brothers, Richard of Toledo, OH and Rusty (Barb) Of Findley, OH. Grandchildren, Taylor, Samantha, Viktor, Kevin, Andrew (Gabby), Rae Beth (Corey), Laura, Justin, April and Heather; great-grandchildren Lily, Joseph, Gwyneth, And Izaak. Also surviving are his aunt Isabella Kovach and Great Aunt Mary Alice Slates.

Visitation hours for Taz will be held 2-4 and 6-8 Thursday, December 8th at the

Clarke Funeral Home, 302 Main St., Toronto, OH

A celebration service of Taz's life will be held 11 A.M. Friday, December 9th at

the funeral home with the Reverend Bob Benesh officiating.

There will be full military honors by the Toronto American Legion Honor Guard

at the funeral home Friday along with the celebration service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Taz may be made to the Ohio Patriot Guard

or the Wounded Warriors Project.