TTV is sad to inform the community of the passing of Jim Montgomery. He passed away around 4am on the 4th November 2023 surrounded by family at Frankston Hospital.
Jim leaves behind a loving family, his wife, Joan, and four children, Catherine (& Mark), James (& Karen), Jenni (& Doug), and Claire, along with eight cherished grandchildren, Annabelle, Grace, Emily, Aidan, Tom, Oliver, Eleanor, and Ewan. He also leaves behind a legacy of a multitude of ‘adopted’ children through table tennis that he coached over the years.
In honour of Jim Montgomery's remarkable contributions to Table Tennis Victoria, here is a tribute to celebrate his dedication and passion for the sport:
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Tribute to Jim Montgomery: A Lifetime of Dedication to Table Tennis
Jim Montgomery, a name synonymous with dedication and passion, has left an indelible mark on the world of table tennis. His journey in the sport spanned over six decades, from 1960 to 2022, and throughout this time, he displayed unwavering commitment in various capacities.
As a player, Jim graced the Victorian Table Tennis Association (VTTA) from 1960 to 1985, competing in A3 and A2 and achieving several Spring A1 Grade seasons. His pursuit of excellence saw him compete in A Grade across multiple associations, including Western Suburbs, North Western, and Northern Districts. Following his relocation to Geelong in 1985, Jim continued to showcase his skills in the Geelong A Grade pennant competition for many years.
However, Jim's contributions extended far beyond the playing field. His administrative prowess shone as he established the Kingsville Table Tennis Club in 1958 and served as its Secretary. He went on to affiliate Kingsville with the Western Suburbs Table Tennis Association (WSTTA) and eventually became a Committee Member and later President of WSTTA in the 1960s.
Jim's passion for nurturing the sport knew no bounds. In 1959, he founded the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Table Tennis Club and affiliated it with the Overseas Malaysian Students Association (OMSA), fielding an impressive 15 teams combined. His visionary efforts also played a pivotal role in establishing the North Western Table Tennis Association (NWTTA) and serving as a Board member in the 1960s.
Jim's administrative acumen continued to flourish as he assumed roles on various committees. He was an integral part of the Geelong Table Tennis Association from the early 1990s until 2015, including stints as Vice President and President. His commitment to the sport was further showcased during his tenure as a Board member of Table Tennis Victoria (TTV) from 1993 to 2017, where he also served as Director of Coaching and State Selector. His influence reached a national scale, as he contributed as a National Selector with Table Tennis Australia and later as a Board Member of Table Tennis Australia in the late 1990s.
Jim's dedication reached its pinnacle when he took on the role of Honorary Interim CEO of Table Tennis Australia from 1999 to 2001. His responsibilities extended to being the Secretary-General for Table Tennis during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The magnitude of his role included negotiations with multiple governing bodies, such as the Australian Olympic Committee, the Federal Government, and the Australian Institute of Sport. Jim's remarkable post-Olympic efforts involved organizing travel arrangements and negotiating for teams to participate in the 2001 Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi and the World Championships in Osaka.
In addition to his administrative roles, Jim continued to be a driving force for table tennis in his later years. He took on the role of President of the Albert Park Table Tennis from 2018 to 2022, where his passion for the sport continued to inspire.
Jim Montgomery's contributions extended well beyond the organizational aspects. He was recognized as the 2019 TTA Volunteer of the Year, celebrating his remarkable 50 years of service to the sport he held dear. His commitment to continuous improvement was evident through his participation in various courses and training, including the IOC Olympic Solidarity Course, and his dedication to coaching schools, wheelchair players, and national-level athletes.
Jim's legacy in table tennis is a testament to his unwavering commitment, his remarkable administrative abilities, and his profound impact on the sport at local, national, and international levels. His influence and passion for table tennis have left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. As we remember and honor Jim Montgomery, we celebrate not just a Life Member of Table Tennis Victoria, but a true table tennis icon whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of players and administrators to come.
Rest in peace, Jim Montgomery, and thank you for your enduring dedication to the sport we all love. Your legacy will forever be etched in the annals of table tennis history.
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Funeral Details:
Thursday 16/11/2023 (Please bring your bat)
11:30am – 12:30pm: Funeral Service at St Macartan’s Catholic Church 4 Drake St, Mornington VIC 3931 (Parking available behind the church via Cook St)
1:00 – 1:30pm: Burial Service at Mornington Cemetery 40 Craigie Rd, Mount Martha VIC 3934
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Wake at Mornington Frankston Table Tennis Centre 350 Dunns Rd, Mornington VIC 3931
A tribute page for Jim is on the Tobin Brothers Website:
https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/30264/Jim-Montgomery/obituary.html
Live-streaming:
https://vimeo.com/event/3877703
The family requests any memorial contributions be made to Dementia Australia in lieu of flowers.
