James Randolph Montalbano

Montalbano (Tater) at age 69 went to eternally be with his Jelly Red on Sunday May 31,2026 at Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge. He was a retired Specialty Welder out of Local 198 whose skillset allowed him to travel the world as well as create a network of lifelong friends and brothers. Tater always felt most at home in the Atchafalaya Basin Spillway therefore he kept a camp in Bayou Pigeon that later became his residence around 2018. Tater began as a part time Commercial Crawfisherman around 2012 and transitioned to a full time Commercial Crawfisherman upon retiring. Tater was an avid outdoorsman who could always be found hunting or fishing deep in the basin.

Tater is survived by his wife Darlene Gautreau Montalbano, daughter Nicole Montalbano and wife Jessica Kennedy, daughter Jessica Montalbano Lyles, granddaughter Clarencia Lyles. He is proceeded in death by his granddaughter Christine Bennett, his parents Anthony Montalbano and Bessie Aime Montalbano and his in-laws N.C. Gautreau and Geraldine Tullier as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Tater asked that we extend the following messages- Wake up America and stop falling victim to a system created to keep us divided and by all means listen to and support our bi-racial children as they are the only race who truly understand what the world needs to heal.

A Floating Memorial will be held in the Atchafalaya Basin Spillway Saturday, July 4 2026 at 11:00 am launching from the Bayou Pigeon Boat Launch followed by a Celebration of Life at his residence. Please have your boats in the water and loaded for an 11:00 am departure. Please adhere to all LDWF regulations while in the boat on the water. Send an e-mail to [email protected] if you need more information.