Michael Richard James, 58, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully in his sleep August 15, 2026. Michael was born on February 8, 1968 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Janice James. His father, Richard Kunkle, passed away before Michael was born. He attended Allen High School, and was in the graduating class of 1986. He attended Kutztown University after high school. Michael was a prototype technician for Secant Medical in Quakertown, PA for the past 13 years. Prior to that, he worked at the Raxon Corporation in Allentown, PA. Michael was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Michael was a family man at heart. He met his wife, Monica James, 20 years ago, and they were married on September 28, 2013. Monica’s sons, Brock and Jack, were 7 and 4 years old when they met. Michael took the boys in like his own and was an extremely important part of their lives. He coached Jack’s basketball team, volunteered as a band parent at Emmaus High School, attended school parent/teacher meet and greets, and attended every musical performance during the boys school years, whether it be at Carnegie Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or Emmaus High School auditorium. According to Brock and Jack, Michael gave them their taste in music, taking them to concerts such as Primus, Brian Wilson, and King Crimson. He taught Jack how to play drums, and taught Brock guitar, giving him his first guitar at 7 years old. Michael was a bourbon and golf aficionado. Michael and Monica enjoyed time with their wonderful friends, especially with their “Bourbon Besties” and friends from the Lehigh Valley Bourbon Group. He will be missed by many, especially by his best friends, Jim, Cary and Larry. He taught the boys the game of golf and recently helped Jack with his golf swing. Michael was our world, and his passing is a profound loss for us all. Michael is survived by his wife, Monica James, stepsons Brock McElhenney (27) and Jack (John Patrick) McElhenney (24), daughter Lindsey James (36), and his mother, Janice James. He is also survived by his sister Tammy White, wife of Jesse White, sister Michele Robinson, nephews Shane White and Ricky Kunkle, niece Katie Koneschusky. He was predeceased by his brother, Rick (Richard) Kunkle II.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 20th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown PA 18103. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 547 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown PA 18106. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Michael's life during a visitation at the Church on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation,  https://t2t.org/. 

Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.nalesnikfh.com. 

Services and arrangements have been placed in the care of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning PA 18240.