Chambers, James E. (Father)

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Father James E. Chambers, SJ, who died at 10:05 p.m. on April 3, 2018, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.  He was 93 years old. May he rest in peace.

Jim was born on April 17, 1924 in Oak Park, Ill. where he attended grammar school at St. Catherine of Sienna (1931-38).  He then attended St. Ignatius High School and graduated from there with “the great” Class of 1942 (as its survivors still call themselves!) including his identical twin brother.  On Aug. 8, 1942 he entered the Society at Milford, Ohio where he pronounced his First Vows on Aug. 15, 1944.  After his Juniorate at Milford, he moved to West Baden College for Philosophy (1946-49).  During his Regency (1949-52) at St. Ignatius H.S. in Cleveland he taught History and Religion.  During this time he also received his A.B. from Loyola University in Chicago.  In 1952 he moved back to West Baden for his theological studies where he was ordained on June 15, 1955. In 1955 Jim received his M.A. in Sociology at Loyola University Chicago. He then moved to St. Stanislaus in Cleveland (1956-57) for his Tertianship.

In 1957 Jim was assigned to go to Nepal where for sixteen years he taught English at St. Xavier H.S. in Kathmandu. From 1973-83 he remained at St. Xavier H.S. as Asst. Principal and a teacher of English. On Nov. 8, 1978 Jim professed his Solemn Vows in Kathmandu.  Jim returned to Chicago in 1983 where he studied for two years, receiving an M.A in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University.  For the next six years (1985-91)

Jim served as an Associate Pastor at St. Ignatius Church in Chicago. From 1991-Aug. 1993 Jim was a Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington, KY.  From Sept.- Dec., 1993 Jim was on Sabbatical in Berkeley, CA.  From 1994-2000 Jim served as an Associate Pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis, Ind.

In 2000 Jim was assigned as a Chaplain at Cook County Hospital and resided at the Taylor Street Community.  In Feb. 2011 he moved to Colombiere Center to care for his health and continue praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus.

While living at the Taylor Street Community, Jim was totally devoted to his work at Cook County Hospital, so much so that he always carried a Polish Dictionary to help him to communicate with the many patients whose first language was Polish.  In the community Jim was never without a smile or a joke.  He also loved to bring guests for dinner, sometimes forgetting, of course, to tell the cook. Fortunately, somehow the cook always seemed to have enough food!  Jim also loved to ride his bike totally oblivious, of course, to traffic.  Finally, his Superior had to tell him to stay away from streets like downtown Michigan Ave.  It was even rumored that he was seen riding down the Outer Drive! Despite all of this, Jim remained a valued member of the Community and was greatly missed when he moved to Colombiere where he was equally cherished by his brothers there.

Wake

Friday, April 6, 2018
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Prayer Service 7:00 p.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI  48346-1015

Memorial Mass

Saturday, April 7, 2018
11:00 a.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI  48346-1015