Obituary of Michael James

Michael R. James, 36, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2022, after fighting a long, courageous battle against complications from pancreatitis. He was born on April 8, 1986, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Michael Henry James and Sharon (Lyle) Salvini. As a child, Mike played several sports, excelling in the high jump. He loved conducting science experiments and found joy in learning about and rebuilding computer systems, which led to his passion and career in the technology field. As an adult, Mike boasted about his wonderful childhood to anyone who would listen. In college, Mike became a brother of the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity of the Gamma Sigma Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, with a degree in Computer Science and went on to reach the top of his field as a Principal Software Architect and Head of Architecture. Notably, Mike built software for some of the biggest banks in the world during his career. He was an entrepreneur, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of WaySlay and CTO of Lanara Laundry. Mike had a zest for life like no other. He is well known for his exuberant personality, huge smile, eccentric dance moves, contagious laugh, and charismatic charm. Mike loved to learn and took a particular interest in learning to play various, unique instruments, which he used to entertain his family and friends. He loved to travel and explore the world, leaving his mark on everyone he encountered. One of Mike’s favorite places on Earth was the beach. In his late 20s, he moved to Miami Beach, FL for 10 years, which is where he met his fiancé, Maria Mings, before relocating back to Pittsburgh in early 2020. Mike was very goal-driven and achieved anything he set his mind to, including his lifelong dream of living in a beachfront property and becoming a software architect. Mike is survived by his loving fiancé, Maria Mings; his parents, Sharon (Karl) Salvini and Michael H. (Barbara) James; and his brother, Matthew (Kelli) James. Please join us in celebrating Mike's life. The viewing will be held Friday, July 1st from 4-8 pm at Warchol Funeral Home, 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, July 2nd at 11 am, with a luncheon to follow at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Ave., Bridgeville, PA 15017. We will conclude our day with a Celebration-of-Life (after-service and wake) on Saturday, July 2nd from 3-7:30 pm at the Circle Inn Bar & Grill, 34 E. Crafton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15205. All are welcome.