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Joseph lit a candle
Sunday, July 21, 2024
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RIP Father Jim always will remember you just thinking of you now
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Janet Howard posted a condolence
Friday, October 23, 2020
Father Jim’s kindness and support when my husband died will never be forgotten by me or my family. He was an outstanding priest and pastor, and a wonderful man. His humor and love of all things Irish were much appreciated. RIP, Father Jim. You will be missed. May the road rise up to meet you...☘️
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The McDermott Family posted a condolence
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Father Jim met our family when he first came to Carthage in 1973. Our father had died young of a heart attack and I think he felt a kinship there with the McDermott family. He soon became a close family friend--coming over for dinner, using his tonsorial skills to keep the hairlines of the four boys under control, teaching us how to wire a house safely, and showing us his example of a life lived in Christ-like presence and engagement with the people he served. When our mother remarried after raising six kids he officiated at her wedding. He officiated at four of six weddings for my siblings, including ours in Maine. We kept in touch over the years, meeting up with him in Troy or in Villanova when we were there. He returned to Maine two years ago for our 30th anniversary and we celebrated Mass in the tiny coastal church where we had been married by him. He loved boating on Sebec Lake—we never saw a grin as wide as the ones on his face when he was on the water and moving fast. This summer our daughter asked him to officiate at her COVID wedding in Dallas. Although he could not travel, he was able to do that remotely via Facetime—just two weeks before his first stroke. This was his third generation of weddings in one family—and may have been the last wedding he led. We’ll treasure that memory forever.
Father Jim was known as a great parish priest. What he really was—and the other testimonials on this site speak to that—is a great family priest. Across generations and locations he was there for so many special moments in the lives of the families he touched. When Father Jim was with you: even the ordinary times became special. Whether he was in a canoe on a remote mountain lake, celebrating life with one of the hundreds of families who called him their friend, or officiating a wedding using 21st century technology on his iPhone: his presence with you made you feel like all was well with the world.
He was the master of using a pause when speaking—and could tolerate that far longer than most as he knew that the reflection created by the pause would build understanding and reinforce the importance of careful consideration of the inherent complexity of many of life’s challenges. Now he has given us the gift of his longest pause—may we each use that to reflect on his life, our lives, and the purpose for which the Lord has sent us here. Godspeed, our friend, on your journey. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us. And give your mom a hug for all of us!
Dave and Ellen McDermott
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Amelia and Barrett McDermott Gilley
Dallas, Texas
Lucy McDermott
San Francisco, California
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The McDermott Family posted a condolence
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Father Jim met our family when he first came to Carthage in 1973. Our father had died young of a heart attack and I think he felt a kinship there with the McDermott family. He soon became a close family friend--coming over for dinner, using his tonsorial skills to keep the hairlines of the four boys under control, teaching us how to wire a house safely, and showing us his example of a life lived in Christ-like presence and engagement with the people he served. When our mother remarried after raising six kids he officiated at her wedding. He officiated at four of six weddings for my siblings, including ours in Maine. We kept in touch over the years, meeting up with him in Troy or in Villanova when we were there. He returned to Maine two years ago for our 30th anniversary and we celebrated Mass in the tiny coastal church where we had been married by him. He loved boating on Sebec Lake—we never saw a grin as wide as the ones on his face when he was on the water and moving fast. This summer our daughter asked him to officiate at her COVID wedding in Dallas. Although he could not travel, he was able to do that remotely via Facetime—just two weeks before his first stroke. This was his third generation of weddings in one family—and may have been the last wedding he led. We’ll treasure that memory forever.
Father Jim was known as a great parish priest. What he really was—and the other testimonials on this site speak to that—is a great family priest. Across generations and locations he was there for so many special moments in the lives of the families he touched. When Father Jim was with you: even the ordinary times became special. Whether he was in a canoe on a remote mountain lake, celebrating life with one of the hundreds of families who called him their friend, or officiating a wedding using 21st century technology on his iPhone: his presence with you made you feel like all was well with the world.
He was the master of using a pause when speaking—and could tolerate that far longer than most as he knew that the reflection created by the pause would build understanding and reinforce the importance of careful consideration of the inherent complexity of many of life’s challenges. Now he has given us the gift of his longest pause—may we each use that to reflect on his life, our lives, and the purpose for which the Lord has sent us here. Godspeed, our friend, on your journey. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us. And give your mom a hug for all of us!
Dave and Ellen McDermott
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Amelia and Barrett McDermott Gilley
Dallas, Texas
Lucy McDermott
San Francisco, California
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Mrs. Derrith Sirtori posted a condolence
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Father Spenard was the kindest Priest I have ever known. He was there for me and my family when my husband died. He was at the hospital every day. He baptized three of my grandchildren who were brought up to NY so they could be baptized at St. Augustine's. I will never forget him, as I am sure many will not. May God give his family peace at this difficult time.
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Joyce Roman posted a condolence
Friday, October 16, 2020
I got to know Father Jim a little bit when he was assigned to St Rita’s. He never once complained about his transfer there but it was clear that he had expected to finish his ministry as pastor of St Augustine’s. Father’s careful, deliberate and thoughtful way of speaking harkened back to another place and time and I can’t believe I won’t hear another of his homilies in my lifetime. Father once told me all he ever wanted to be was a parish priest. It was clear he spoke the truth. I once thanked him for the care he took with the Consecration at Mass and he said “that’s what I’m here for.” He was a wonderful confessor and homilist and I only wish I had done more to show my appreciation. Father lead a pilgrimage to France a few years back that I had hoped to join but because of family issues had to cancel. When we talked about the trip, Father said he thought LaSallette had been his favorite spot and he was in awe of the altitude of the place where the Blessed Mother had appeared. One of my favorite things about Father was his devotion to St Joseph and he reminded us that Wednesday’s are traditionally dedicated to St Joseph and how we should always try to honor this great saint with some special prayers on this day. He also encouraged daily recitation not only of the Rosary but also The Angelus. In fact even before his illness I always remembered him during this thrice daily prayer.
To Father’s family and beloved parishioners I say thank you for sharing this simple holy man with us in Philadelphia. I like to imagine that he, Father Gene and Father Jim Galligan are enjoying a special kind of reunion before the Throne of God, with the Company of the Saints to which they now belong.
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John and Nina Lawrenson posted a condolence
Friday, October 16, 2020
Fr. Jim's positive and calming influence on my family will never be forgotten. His memory will live forever in us and in all the thousands of children(now adults) that participated in St. Augustine's CYO basketball. For without his efforts and support CYO basketball at St. Augustine's would not have been possible. It was always a pleasure to hear one of his jokes at the end of mass, he will be missed but remembered in our memories and prayers.
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Walter and Julie Yund posted a condolence
Friday, October 16, 2020
Father Spenard was a tremendous Christ-like human being and Catholic priest. He always had time for a pleasant conversation. We were always struck by the beautiful reverence that he showed the Eucharist as he raised the Host during the Consecration of the Mass. At that time he would say "Believe what you see, Receive what you believe, Become what you receive." He told us once that saying was attributed to Saint Augustine. He loved God with all his heart.
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Mike McNulty posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
To all of Father Jim’s Family: I’ve known Jim since our days together at LaSalle Institute in the early 1960’s. His was a life well lived, characterized by a spirit of giving. I am very sorry for your loss.
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The Marcario family posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
We have so many fond memories of Father Jim. He has been to dinner and parties at our house several times. I had the pleasure of working with Father Jim at Saint Augustine bingo in downtown Troy. Our family memories with Father Jim go back almost 25 years, when he first came to be our pastor at St. Augustines. And he was welcomed with open arms . Like everyone else at Saint Augustine’s Church we were heartbroken when he was taken away from us for Philadelphia. I know he always wanted to end his career at St. Augustines. May God rest your soul Father Jim. We all love you. Until we meet again Bill ,JoAnne ,
Luke and Victoria
Murley Family lit a candle
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
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Father Jim will be remembered for many things, but mostly for the beautiful force of his spirit and love. May his incredible life be a reminder to us all, that one person can make a difference, And he did !! The world was a better place because of him. He will be missed and remembered with so much love, as he left his footprints in so many hearts. May the many good memories of Father Jim , comfort us all at this difficult time.
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Jay posted a condolence
Monday, October 12, 2020
Father Jim was such a great man! Always smiling and always willing to chat.
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Delores Salvinski lit a candle
Sunday, October 11, 2020
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Sooo saddened by this news....love & prayers to his family at this time. I will always remember his kindness to everyone, fond memories of the dinners he hosted for CCD Teachers, & Volunteers every March...he was such a wonderful cook, especially loved his soups!! It was a very special time and am sooo thankful to have been able to be a part of....God Bless
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Frank and Pat Baillargeon purchased flowers
Saturday, October 10, 2020
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Frank and Pat Baillargeon
purchased the Your Light Shines and planted a memorial tree for the family of Father James Spenard, OSA.
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From your Idaho family, Cousin Jim. Your life is an inspiration.
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Cousin Ray Girard (Dayton OH). purchased flowers
Saturday, October 10, 2020
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Cousin Ray Girard (Dayton OH).
purchased the Divine Light for the family of Father James Spenard, OSA.
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I sadly did not enjoy Father Jim's company in my later life, but he was always in my thoughts and will be forever. Cousin Ray Girard (Dayton OH).
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Friday, October 9, 2020
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Richard & Elaine Renaud lit a candle
Friday, October 9, 2020
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We were saddened to hear of Fr Jim's passing. He was a good man and wonderful priest. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
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Jim Clement posted a condolence
Friday, October 9, 2020
Fr. Jim wished and prayed that he would one day be sent back to St. Augustine’s ... but not like this.
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Judy Hottinger posted a condolence
Friday, October 9, 2020
I am very sorry to hear this. Father Jim and Father Del Conte , along with Mrs, Spenard and Fr. Jim's uncle Ray, ate many Christmas dinners at my parent's( Audus and Virginia Todd) home in Carthage. Mother managed the Augustinian Academy cafeteria. Not a few coffees and Sambucas were shared and my family always looked forward to having them. I always think of Father Jim and Father Del together, now they are together in paradise. Judy (Todd) Hottinger, Sebring, Florida
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joseph lit a candle
Friday, October 9, 2020
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joseph posted a condolence
Friday, October 9, 2020
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Father Jim my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends was a compassionate considerate great man I know hes rejoicing in heaven with our heavenly father God Bless
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The family of Father James T. Spenard, OSA uploaded a photo
Thursday, October 8, 2020
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