James Michael Montgomery

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

Mike was born to James and Margaret (Sheridan) Montgomery on March 23, 1947 in Chester, PA, a few years before the family moved to Claymont. He attended Holy Rosary School and was a class of ‘65 graduate of Archmere Academy. A History major, he was a 1970 graduate of the University of Delaware, where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Later he earned a mid-career Masters in Business Administration from Widener University.

Mike began a career in business with the Marriott Corporation, where he served as a manager in their food services unit for the airline industry, a position that took him all over the country. Later he became Finance Director for the Unisys Corporation in Blue Bell, PA, from which he retired after 30 years of distinguished service.

That retirement was short-lived as Mike took his business acumen to the non-profit sector for a position as Finance Director for the Claymont Community Center. He also gave freely as a volunteer, serving as a board member and Finance Director for Sojourner’s Place residential program for homeless men and women, from 2010 through 2025. He worked tirelessly with the staff and residents of Sojourner’s to keep the shelter in a financially stable position.

Mike loved travel (especially to Ireland), reading (especially history) and discussing current events. He was an active member of St. Ann’s Church and the Monsignor Dewson Knights of Columbus, and he was a faithful fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and the 76ers.

In 2004, Mike met his future wife Michele while they were both volunteering on Mayor James Baker’s first re-election campaign. They married in 2007 at St. Ann’s and he became the proud step-dad of Jen and Nick.

Mike is predeceased by his parents; his brother, F. Patrick Montgomery; his step-daughter; Jennifer Duncan; his sister-in-law, Lyn Doto; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Doto and Rick Doto.

He 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.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Doherty Funeral Home at 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 on Monday, March 23, 2026 (Mike’s Birthday!) Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Conquer Chiari 320 Osprey Court, Wexford, PA 15090,  or to

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Ann’s Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806

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