Father Jim left his physical body lovingly surrounded by close family and friends while also in the loving thoughts of family and friends living afar.
He said: “LOVE is a direct line to GOD.”
Jim recognized that his life was a journey of faith that began with a gift of a tiny Gideon’s Bible in Grade Five.
Much later in life, after working in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the BC Forest Services and having been introduced to the Catholic Faith by a friend, John Schmitz, he was inwardly directed to enter Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton to study Theology. From there, he went to Saint Paul’s Seminary in Ottawa where he completed his studies in Pastoral Counseling.
After several years as a Pastoral Associate in the military chaplaincy, he was ordained to the Priesthood in 1991. He served for a total of 20 years as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. He was incardinated in the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada with whom he shared his faith in many communities across Canada.
Upon his retirement, he obtained his pilot’s license and travelled the world expanding his friendships wherever he went. But, once again, he was prompted toward his ministry, this time in the area of marriage. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Canon Law from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa. This allowed him to work with various marriage tribunals as a judge which he did until he was diagnosed with cancer last October at the age of 76.
In his final months, Jim made an effort to share his faith, commune with God and to experience joy up to his final breaths on this physical earth. He intended to reunite with much-loved family members in heaven which he imagined as a field of daisies where people wore white. After that, only God knows the continuation of his story.
A Funeral Mass presided by the Military Ordinariate of Canada, Bishop Scott McCaig, was held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel, on the 9th of February 2022 at 10:00 am. To watch a recording of the service click on the following link.
https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/46833
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
My deepest condolences to Fr. Jim’s family. It was my honour to have provided music for the beautiful funeral service. I will miss serving with him at Holy Cross when he filled in for Fr. William, his dedication to his ministry, his jokes and his kindness. May he rest in peace.
Father Jim acted as our Spiritual Advisor for Society of St Vincent de Paul. He was truly a “lamp on a lamppost” I particularly enjoyed our discussions–both social and Scriptural. We at Sacred Heart Parish also benefitted from his presence as an associate priest who would fill in when needed.
I’m sorry I could not attend today, but know that I shall pray a Rosary for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the care and comfort of those he’s left behind.
On behalf of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 19 Wing Comox, our sincere condolences to Father Jim’s family and friends. Father Jim would often travel up-Island to celebrate Mass when our military chaplain was away. Father Jim was very instrumental in providing his guidance with our community’s move to our new location. May he rest in peace!
I’ve known Jim since his first Military parish at North Bay. We have always kept in touch through Ottawa and Chilliwack. When he came to Sydney (Australia) to look after a parish that was just up the road from my place we played golf and took a road trip to Melbourne and Canberra. We played golf and did trips to shows like Les Mis and Jesus Christ Superstar. All my family and friends who met him liked him, he just fitted in with any group. Sometimes it took a bit to convince them he really was Father Jim. After he moved to Victoria I’d see him occasionally when I’d fly in to visit my friend here, last time we had brunch at Jam and gave him a slab of fresh salmon I caught and he cycled off. Loved Jim as he always listened and offered advice without judgement. He said Mass for several of my friends who passed even if they weren’t Catholic. He helped me through some dark times for which I am eternally grateful. I’m so glad I was able to visit with him last Wednesday. Jim will live on in my memory as a top bloke, a ripper mate and above all, a friend. Rest in Peace my friend in the arms of the Lord.
Our condolences to the family:
When we saw Fr. Jim vested on a Sunday morning in our parish, we knew that our time spent with him, would be annointed. He had a very calm presence and he could reach the hearts of many. His sense of humor was a gift for all of us too. Rest in peace.
Madge and Casey Weber, Duncan, BC.
Father Jim often celebrated Mass at St. Joseph the Worker church in Victoria, and his gentle manner and deep love for people was evident. I enjoyed conversations with him. I send my sympathy and prayers to his family.