Captain James “Ed” Montgomery was born on February 2, 1956, in Bangor, Maine, to John Montgomery and Frances D’Alfonso. He went heaven-bound on December 17, 2025.

He lived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when he was very young. Ed lived in Hawaii from 1959-1961. He then moved to Pocatello, Idaho, with his family during 1961-1964. He lived a short time in Anaheim, California, followed by moving to Tucson, Arizona. He then moved to Minnesota with his family and attended Carlton High School. He and his family moved to Brookfield, Ohio, where he graduated. Right after graduation, he moved back to Arizona and studied to be a radio disc jockey. We all know how he loved to tell stories! At some point, he realized he could not ignore what was in his blood – sailing. His Grampi Ellis told him that he could not deny the calling so he entered the Chapman’s Seamanship School in Stuart, Florida. Eventually Ed made his way back to Minnesota (and found Jeanne) and Lake Superior where he started his business Sea Service which operates the local pilot boat “Sea Bear” and also didcommercial cargo discharge surveys.

He is survived by his loving wife Jeanne, sister Susan Kleine-Polyak, nephews Craig and Keith Kleine, sister Laura Fulbright-Montgomery, niece Alayna, in-laws Clifford and Lois Johnson, brother-in-law Dale (Lynn) Johnson, nieces Abigail Johnson and Emma (Trae Dominquez). He is also survived by family and so many close friends near and far and his maritime friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Frances Jarvis, parents John and step-mum Janet Montgomery, and brothers Vern and Patrick Montgomery, special cousin Valerie, and Grandma Alvina.

One of Ed’s favorite quotes was from John Paul Jones “I have not yet begun to fight”. 

Services provided by Atkins Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN.

Memorial service Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cloquet, MN. Noon visitation followed by 1: 00pm service. Coffee and dessert will be served after the service. Ed’s favorite kind of meal!