Montney, James Boyd “Jay” of Davison age 81 died with his wife by his side on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Ascension/Genesys Hospital after more than a month-long battle with the COVID virus.
He was born on May 19, 1940, the only child of Arlie M. Montney and Margaret F. (Boyd) Montney. He attended schools in Mt. Morris, St. Ignace, and Kearsley as his father worked on the Michigan State Ferries from 1948-1952 before the Mackinaw Bridge was built. He graduated from Kearsley High School in 1958 before attending Flint Community Junior College. He served in the United States Army Reserves where he taught transportation classes. Before marrying his true love, Jeanann (Lyman) Montney on January 27, 1968, he worked as a millwright at Buick Motor Division. He was a devoted father to his sons, James Boyd Montney II and Christopher David Montney. Jay was a Boy Scout leader and encouraged both of his sons until they reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Young students at the Davison Montessori Academy and Questar School for Gifted Children were instructed by Jay. He was a member of the Elba United Methodist Church, American Legion, National Rifle Association, and the Herb Society of America where he served as chairperson of the Frankenmuth unit.
Jay was an historian with an extensive collection of books that included in particular Michigan authors and books about Michigan. He loved genealogy and investigated family trees of Montney, Lyman, Johnson, Morse, Ezell, Davis, Denam, and Boyd families. Other topics of his inquiries include Great Lake freighters, the U.S. Civil War, and the United States involvement in World War II.
Throughout his lifetime the Lord had been calling him, but Jay’s reticence prevented him from pursuing this vocation until 2006 when he accepted the invitation. Elba United Methodist Church was pastored by him from January 2006 to July 2014. He was devoted to his congregation. In addition to ministerial duties Jay participated in Vacation Bible School, acted in dramas, taught Bible studies, and sang in choirs and cantatas. His sense of humor added sparkle and energy to all events.
Surviving: his devoted wife, Jeanann L. Montney; two sons, James (Christine) Montney and Christopher Montney; grandchildren: Elliot, Langston, Eloise, and Isiah Montney; many dear friends and relatives. Preceded in death by his parents, Arlie M. Montney and Margaret F. (Boyd) Montney; granddaughter Crystal Marie Montney.
The family invites all to a Celebration of Life to be held in the spring. In accordance with Jay’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer. Memorial contributions are encouraged to: Elba United Methodist Church, 154 S. Elba Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446. Please share condolences and memories with the Montney Family at https://www.muirbrotherslapeer.com/
Last Updated on January 20, 2022