James (Jim) Ambrose Wortmann, 80, of Montgomery City, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico (Audrain County).
Jim was born on August 4, 1945, in Josephville (St. Charles County), the son of Joseph Wortmann and Evelyn (Hemmer) Wortmann. He grew up in Josephville, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age, working alongside his father in the family mechanic shop—a trade that would shape his life and livelihood.
On February 19, 1971, James was united in marriage to Beverly Ellen Fisher in St. Charles. They raised five children and spent 37 years together. She preceded him in death on May 4, 2008.
Jim proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army in 1965. A Vietnam War veteran, he served as a mechanic and earned several medals during his time in the service. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim continued to own and operate the Josephville Garage that was originally established by his father – until it closed in 1993.
In 1990, Jim moved his family to Montgomery City, where he continued doing what he loved. In 1993, he opened his own mechanic shop at his home. He had a special love for old tractors—especially Olivers—and was actively involved with the Montgomery County Old Threshers Association, a community he cherished.
Jim was always working, even if it was just “piddling around.” To him, every day was a workday except Sunday. Sundays were reserved for church, and he never missed. He never met a stranger, and everyone seemed to know him. Jim was known for his warm smile, friendly nature and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.
James Ambrose Wortmann will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud veteran, a skilled mechanic, and a man whose work ethic, faith, and kindness left a lasting mark.
Jim is survived by his children: Julie (Mike) Walton of Wildwood, Lisa Fisher of Texas, Tony (Meribeth) Wortmann of Montgomery City and Jarrod (Karla) Wortmann of Montgomery City; his daughter-in-law, Jill Wortmann of Auxvasse; grandchildren: Abby (Eric) Timm of Chesterfield, Scott (Sarah) Childs of Pacific, Jack Walton of Wildwood, Gracie Walton of Wildwood, Brandon Fogarty of Wentzville, Kayla Fogarty of Texas, Mason (Maureen) Wortmann of Auxvasse, Layne Wortmann of Centralia and Cooper Wortmann of Auxvasse; great-grandchildren, McKinley Timm, Harper Timm, Brody Childs and Blaze Childs; siblings, Rosella Schneider, Virginia Reller, Millie Eisenbath, Margie Wortmann, Barbara Schneider, Carolyn Richardson and Joseph Wortmann; and one brother-in-law, Donald Fisher.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Ellen Wortmann; his son, John Lawrence Wortmann; his parents, Joseph and Evelyn Wortmann; and siblings, Lucille Rothermich, Ethel Sommer, Kathleen Giesmann, LaVerne Vehige and Mary Ann Brakensiek.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 23 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City with Father Ernest Dike officiating. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Montgomery City. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Montgomery County Old Threshers Association or to the Sunrise Memorial Gardens, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
