James Lamonte "Monte" Dobbins passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the age of 87 in his home surrounded by loved ones. Monte was born in Sycamore, Illinois on August 21, 1936. Monte grew up in Aurora, Illinois and graduated in 1955 from East Aurora High School. He loved sports – playing and watching. He was a football and basketball star athlete in school and was named to the EA Sports Hall of Fame. Monte was proud to be a Tomcat!

Following school, September 7, 1955, Monte joined the United States Navy and proudly served until September 10, 1959. He continued on in the reserves until September 6, 1963.

Monte retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1992 where he worked proudly for 33 years. Starting in 1959 as a delivery driver, he worked his way up to Division Manager, a position he held until retirement.

Monte married his soul mate, Virginia (Jones) Cartee on June 21, 1975, sharing 49 years together. Monte loved spending time with his family and friends – whether it was traveling around the world or to hockey rinks, casting a line, watching sports, flipping pizzas, driving the links, or sharing laughs over a few cocktails – he was there. He was an avid golfer, loved to laugh and share stories of his adventures and never met anyone he couldn't talk with. He was an amazing man that touched many lives!

He leaves behind his loving wife Virigina Dobbins of Yorkville, his children Jenny (Jo Lynn) Andrews of Plainfield, Paul (Marci) Cartee of Yorkville, and Jim (Ann) Cartee of Aurora.

His grandchildren Stephen (Becky Mangers) Cartee, Lauren Cartee, Zachary Andrews and Christina (Kevin) Glock. His great-grandchildren Lucas Mangers, Liliann, Kamden, Leo Glock, Wyatt and Knox Andrews and great-granddaughter due in May 2024.

Sisters-in-law Mary Lou Kain, and Patricia (Lee) Sepplefrick; and brother-in-law Ruben "Dusty" (Linda) Jones III all of Aurora. His daughters Debbie Ryan and Karen Dobbins along with several grandchildren. In addition to many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ada Bell "Granny" Johnson; father, Walter Dobbins, stepfather, Elmer Johnson, in laws Ruben and Joan Jones, sisters, Alma Jean Jackson, and Florence Leon Shaeffer; half-brothers, Bob Johnson, and Jim Johnson; his son James Dobbins Jr.; his grandson Muraco "Rocco" Salgado and his faithful dogs Snowball, Penny, Mindy, and Trixie.

Visitation for Monte will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory located at 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, IL with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the East Aurora/East High Football Old Timers Association.

For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com