The obituary of Fr. James Smith (Fr. Jim) referenced John:15 as a favorite passage. Jesus is the vine and we the branches. Fr. Jim often preached this to show we are all connected and need to love one another. Such love directed Father’s commitment to his vocation and his generous support of Catholic causes throughout his lifetime. Through his thoughtful planning, our agency and a number of other entities in the Diocese and beyond, now also received gifts from his estate. For over 50 years, Fr. Jim served as a parish priest, teacher, counselor and school administrator. He performed the sacraments well into his retirement. He loved his faith and he faithfully shared the love of Jesus. Now, through this gift, he will bring love, through healing and hope, to people in need today and for years to come.
