Obituary
James Rosario Montagna, Jr., passed away at the age of 67 on March 5, 2023, in Eustis, Florida with family at his side.
Jim was born on June 19, 1955, in Penns Grove, New Jersey to Florence Lorraine (Yetko) Montagna and James Rosario Montagna, Sr. He was a loving son who enjoyed spending time with his beloved “Ma” and working side-by-side with his “Pop” prior to their deaths.
Jim discovered his passion for mechanics at a young age. He loved to tinker with machines, taking them apart and putting them back together with ease. As he grew older and worked with his father at his family-owned auto repair, he honed his skills and became a gifted mechanic.
Jim was also an entrepreneur at heart and operated several businesses over the course of his career. For most of his life, he owned and operated Montagna’s Automotive Repair in Carney’s Point, New Jersey. Customers, friends, and family could always count on expert repairs while sharing a laugh with Jim at his shop.
In the 1990’s, Jim was the owner-operator of Mavericks Bar & Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With his mom, Florence, by his side, they could be found serving food and drinks to the club’s members. Jim especially enjoyed hosting thousands of visitors during the annual Bike Week with elaborate events, themed menus, and musical entertainment.
In addition to his passion for mechanics and business, Jim was a train enthusiast. Early in his career, Jim also worked as a locomotive mechanic at Delpro Co and remained a lifelong lover of trains. He enjoyed collecting toy trains and constructing model towns in which they could operate.
In more recent years, Jim made his home in Florida, working for Advance Auto Parts in Eustis and Eduardo’s Lokos Tacos in Tavares.
Jim also had a deep love of music and a talent for creating beautiful, hand-painted ceramics. He will be remembered for his distinctive sense of humor; his friends and family will miss sharing a laugh with Jim.
Jim is survived by his daughter Carmel (Chuck) Anerino of Wilmington, DE; his son James J. (Rebecca) Montagna of Spring, TX and Newark, DE; grandchildren Dominic, Luca, Max, Annalise; and many wonderful friends whom he loved as family.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a favorite charity.
Jim was the best mechanic and friend ever . The world has loss a good man with a fabulous sense of humor . I will sorely miss our phone calls . God Bless you Jim .