James L Montalvo, 62, a Merrimack resident died suddenly September 23, 2026 with his loving husband by his side.

He was the beloved husband of John T Osborn who survives him with whom they celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary on July 29, 2026.

James was born in Yuma Arizona on September 22, 1964 and was raised in Flagstaff Arizona. James was the son of Helen Siqueiros Montalvo and the late Joel H Montalvo. James started his college career at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff Arizona in Psychology while finishing his degree work at Northeastern University when he relocated to Cambridge MA in 1985.

After college James stayed in the Boston area working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also running a housing shelter in East Boston for families in need.

In 1990 dancing and arts which he so loved provided an opportunity for him to relocate to New York City and Broadway. After this, another opportunity arose for him to be in Public Relations at Sony Music Studios helping many famous musicians and producers as they started their professional careers. The stories James would tell were amazing.

From NYC, James moved to Columbus Ohio where he worked at The Ohio State University and Centene Corporation returning to his roots of helping others in need. Centene brought him back to his favorite area of the country, New England which he said he would never leave again. After Covid, again returning to his love of helping others and placing others before himself, he was employed by New Hampshire Hospital, NH Department of Corrections, and finally Easter Seals of New Hampshire where he would at last retire. As all who knew James, Easter Seals provided him the greatest feeling of helping others with varied abilities to live, learn, and laugh in life. Most importantly he wanted everyone to sing, dance, and laugh each and every day. As a good friend once said, “aren’t we a jack of all trades!”. No truer statement can be said about James. An avid softball and volleyball player, James was also an amazing husband, step-father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and most importantly a great friend to many in every city that he lived. James really was the life of the party. His smile and infectious laugh will be remembered by all.

Besides his beloved John, James is survived by his three step-daughters, Julia and her husband Ben Spence of Chelmsford, MA, Amanda Osborn of Nashua NH, Jenna Osborn of Merrimack NH, two very close and special step-niece and nephew whom he treated as his own - Cara Wry and her two sons of Portsmouth, NH and Keith and Abby Osborn and their two sons of Newmarket NH. His Mother Helen of Yuma Arizona, his sister Ruthie Montalvo-Luckie of Grand Prairie TX, his brother Jose Montalvo and wife Sheri of Burleson TX, brothers-in-law Stephen and wife Paula Osborn of Naples Fl and Moultonborough NH, Michael and wife Janet Osborn of Shrewsbury MA. Too many Montalvo nieces, nephews, Osborn step-nieces and nephews to mention here, all of whom he loved and treasured dearly.

James also leaves his beloved and ever so faithful Golden Retriever Toko who incredibly misses him waiting at the front door.

James was son-in-law of the late George and Louise Osborn of Lowell, MA, the brother of the late Joel Montalvo of Fort Collins Colorado, and brother-in-law of the late David F. Osborn of Milford NH

What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been – The Grateful Dead

Funeral Services for James will be private.

A Celebration of Life will be held for James later in October/November. James just loved a good party!