James Michael Montgomery

James Michael Montgomery passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, at the age of 78, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born on March 23, 1947, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to James and Margaret (Sheridan) Montgomery, Mike moved with his family to Claymont a few years later. He attended Holy Rosary School, graduated from Archmere Academy in 1965, and earned a degree in History from the University of Delaware in 1970, where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He later received a mid-career MBA from Widener University.

Mike began his career with the Marriott Corporation as a manager in their airline food services division, a role that allowed him to travel extensively across the country. He went on to serve as Finance Director for Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, retiring after 30 years of distinguished service. Retirement proved short-lived, as he soon brought his expertise to the non-profit sector as Finance Director for the Claymont Community Center. He also volunteered for many years as a board member and Finance Director for Sojourner’s Place, a residential program for homeless men and women, serving from 2010 through 2025 and working tirelessly to maintain the shelter’s financial stability.

Mike had a deep love for travel, especially to Ireland, reading history, and engaging in lively discussions about current events. A longtime parishioner of St. Ann’s Church and member of the Monsignor Dewson Knights of Columbus, he remained a devoted fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and 76ers. In 2004, he met his future wife, Michele, while both were volunteering on Mayor James Baker’s re-election campaign. They married in 2007 at St. Ann’s, and Mike became a proud stepfather to Jen and Nick.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother F. Patrick Montgomery, his stepdaughter Jennifer Duncan, his sister-in-law Lyn Doto, and his brothers-in-law Bill Doto and Rick Doto. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Michele Fanny Montgomery; his brother Sean Montgomery (Eileen); his stepson Nicholas Toman (Laura); his grandchildren Abbey Rhoads and Evan Toman; his son-in-law Russ Duncan; his sisters-in-law Kathy Laffey Montgomery and Lori Doto; his brother-in-law William S. Montgomery; his nieces M. Sheridan Pelegrin and Jamie Shay Montgomery; and his nephews Christopher Patrick Montgomery and Matthew Montgomery.