Michael James Boyle

Michael James Boyle, 80, died peacefully at home in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, on December 17, 2025. His wife, Marcia, was with him throughout his long illness. He faced cancer with the same strength and resolve that defined his life.

He served in the United States Marine Corps during the early years of the Vietnam War, his military service shaping his lifelong sense of discipline, responsibility, and leadership.

An experienced executive whose career spanned both public companies and entrepreneurial start-ups, he served in senior leadership roles, including President and CEO, COO, Senior Vice President, and General Manager, guiding organizations through growth, change, and complex operational challenges. He earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, Illinois, which informed his thoughtful and strategic approach to leadership.

Known for his decisive leadership and creative problem-solving, he had a rare ability to see what truly mattered, particularly under pressure. His work encompassed all facets of business operations, from strategy and finance to product development, sales, and organizational growth. He was especially proud of helping build new ventures and expand existing ones, believing deeply in thoughtful leadership and well-developed teams.

He took particular pride in helping others grow, mentoring leaders, and supporting their success. In retirement, he continued to offer his experience in service to others as a mentor to new and small business owners through SCORE.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; his children, Mike and his wife, Molly; Brian and his wife, Abby; his daughter, Colleen; his stepson, Lance Morrison, and his wife, Layne; his sisters, Mary Bergfeld and Pat Lane; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Memorial Chapel, Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc., the community Mike lived in and loved deeply. For more than 100 years, Lake Junaluska has served as a spiritual retreat and residential community dedicated to Christian hospitality, with a mission to transform lives through the renewal of soul, mind, and body. It was a place that brought Mike great peace and meaning.