It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Father James Grennan. We are thankful for the 70+ years he served our diocese.
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The vigil and Rosary will be on Wednesday, February 23, at 7:00 pm at St. Mary Queen of the Angels Church in Russell. The funeral Mass will be Thursday, February 24, at 11:00 am at St. Mary Queen of the Angels Church in Russell. The burial will take place after Mass at the St. Mary Queen of the Angels Cemetery.
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Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Father James Grennan was born Dec. 28, 1924, north of Beloit to William James and Mary (Doyle) Grennan, he grew up near Jamestown and attended St. Mary Parish. He was the second youngest of a family of 13. He attended Jamestown High School for two years and finished high school and college at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary in St. Louis. He was ordained on May 13, 1951, at the old Sacred Heart Cathedral by Bishop Frank Thill.
In 1951, he was named parochial vicar at St. Michael Church in Collyer and its mission parishes Christ the King Church in WaKeeney and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hill City. In 1954, he was named pastor of St. Paul Church in Delphos and St. Mary Church in Glasco. In 1958, he was named pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Esbon, St. Theresa Church in Mankato and later St. Mary Church in Smith Center. In 1961, he was named pastor of St. Joseph Church in Oakley. In 1968, he was named pastor of Seven Dolors Church in Manhattan. In 1971, he was named pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Plainville. In 1983, he was named pastor of St. Mary Queen of Angels Church in Russell and St. Joseph Church in Dorrance. In 1993, he was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Stockton and St. John Church in Logan. He retired to Russell in 2001.
