James David Story

JAMES DAVID STORY, of Montgomery, took his own life at his home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the young age of 45. We share this difficult story in hopes to help others who find themselves battling the darkness of mental health issues. You don’t have to fight alone, no matter what challenges life throws at you help is available.

He was born James Edward Stanislas Hudzinski on December 3, 1979, in Mesa, Arizona. He was the son of Charles Hudzinski and Diana Story. James loved his family and was proud of them. He loved to fix things, especially cars, he loved fishing, collecting things, and helping others. He had a gentle heart, a strong protective nature, and he loved animals. As it can, life took him on a difficult journey. The highlights of that journey were his (first) three daughters and earning his associate’s degree in law. Through God’s grace, and his own faith, he was able to find the path back. That path led him to Danielle Max and her son Kaiden. James and Danielle fell deeply in love, married on August 20, 2016, and soon added three more girls to their blended family. He worked hard, loved his wife, loved being a dad to his six daughters and stepson, and loved fishing. He was a member of Old Carver Catfish League and held the record for largest flathead catfish. In 2022, he was League Champion along with partner Dan Olson. But life wasn’t satisfied with this new journey, and it took hold of James again. This time physical pain and depression were the tools life chose. James fought hard. Many of those battles were in the dark where nobody could see. This time life brought him so far into the darkness that he could no longer see the light. Despite his deep love for his family, and their love for him, the darkness won.

He is survived by his mother, Diana; his wife; Danielle; his children, Christa (Matthew) Sowards, Precious Glancy-Story, Chelsea Wenger, Kaiden Erie, Kaylee Story, Brooklynn Story, Adeline Story; grandchildren, Gabriel, Kymberli, Kodak; siblings, Christopher Hudzinski, Jennifer (Travis) Calvin, Kelli Timm, Caleb (Stephanie) Hudzinski, Taylor Hudzinski (fiancé Emily); aunt, Debby (Richard) Marks, uncle, Mark Story, aunt, Rebecca Haney, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended relatives. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles; paternal grandparents, Edward Hudzinski and Laura Hodges; maternal grandparents, George and Dorothy Story; uncles, Brian Story and Vincent (Pat) Story; cousins, Margaret “Peggy” Story and Judy Hudzinski.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Schoenbauer Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. schoenbauerfuneral.com