James "Monty" Montgomery Burlingame IV

James Montgomery Burlingame IV, known to all as “Monty,” passed away in the early morning hours on Friday, August 28th at the age of 72. A lifelong New Orleanian, Monty attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School and excelled in academics and athletics, including football, basketball, and track and field, still holding the school record for the long jump (22’ 8 ½”). Monty went on to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Varsity Letter in track and field as a long jumper. While at Chapel Hill, Monty was also a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Order of Gimghoul, where he met lifelong friends who continued their banter together until the very end. After graduating from UNC, Monty returned to New Orleans to attend Tulane Law School, where he formed even more lifelong friendships that remained steadfast throughout his life. In the fall of 1982, he went on a first date with the love of his life, Julie Waters, and the rest was history.

Monty enjoyed a lifelong career in law and devoted much of his time to serving his community through organizations he cared deeply about, including the boards of Milne Home for Boys, St. Martin’s Alumni Council, Carrollton Boosters, and NOSA (New Orleans Soccer Academy). Over the years, he served them in a variety of capacities, including President for many. He was also a member of several Carnival organizations. However, Monty’s true calling was on the softball, baseball, and soccer fields as coach to his three children whom he loved dearly. He was their number one supporter in all endeavors, and he would never miss an opportunity to coach, manage, or cheer on his children's teams. Monty’s reach extended far beyond his own children. Known affectionately as “Coach Monty” to most of the city and beyond, he impacted so many who encountered him on the fields, teaching valuable lessons that extended far beyond the sidelines and stayed with them throughout their lives. It was truly one of his greatest pleasures in life.

Monty was the life of every party he set foot in. He had a remarkable zest for life and was described by many as a shining light, bringing joy, laughter, and (sometimes inappropriate) fun to everyone around him. He was always thinking about others, never met a stranger, and had an uncanny ability to connect with the people around him. His infectious personality had a larger-than-life impact on all of those who were lucky enough to encounter him.

Monty never wavered as he battled and overcame three separate cancers over the span of almost a decade, but was taken too young after complications following his latest cancer treatment. He will be missed dearly, and his absence will be a void impossible to fill. He is preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Montgomery Burlingame III. Monty is survived by his beloved wife, Julie, whose enduring commitment shone through to the very end; and his three children and seven grandchildren: Brooke and Frank Adams (Eleanor, George, and Helen), Caroline and Reiss Eagan (Lee, McCall, Marshall, and Julia), and Court and Allie Burlingame. He is also survived by his mother, Joella Burlingame; his sister, Ann Inge (Richard); his brother, John Burlingame (Ashley); and countless adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and out-laws, all of whom he adored.

Please keep Monty in your hearts and continue to tell (and re-tell) the many memories and “Monty-isms” of his remarkable, one-of-a-kind life. We will always think of him as we raise a glass of champagne at Galatoire’s, a cold beer at Carrollton Boosters, or a Bushwacker at the Flora-Bama.

A visitation will be held for friends and family at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, on Friday, September 11 at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. A private burial will be held separately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Monty to St. Martin’s Episcopal School (https://www.stmsaints.com/giving/giving-online), MD Anderson (https://gifts.mdanderson.org/), or a charity of your choice.