Father Jim Blessinger Dies At Age 77
Reverend James C. Blessinger, 77, of Jasper, died Sept. 30 at Brookside Village in Jasper. He served the Diocese of Evansville in pastoral ministry from his ordination in 1964 until his retirement from pastoral ministry in 2014.
He was born Oct. 1, 1938, the son of Adam R. Blessinger and Clara (Hass) Blessinger of Jasper. He attended Bockelman School and Holy Family School in Jasper before entering St. Meinrad Minor Seminary. He graduated from St. Meinrad Minor Seminary in 1956, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Classics from St. Meinrad College. He attended seminary at St. Meinrad, and Bishop Henry J. Grimmelsman ordained him a priest of the Diocese of Evansville on May 23, 1964.
His priestly assignments included:
- Assistant Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Washington, and Teacher, Washington Catholic High School, 1964
- Assistant Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Vincennes, and Part-time teacher, Central Catholic High School and St. Rose Academy, Vincennes, 1967
- Co-Pastor, Holy Redeemer Parish, Evansville, 1971
- Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Dale, and Administrator, St. Nicholas Chapel, Santa Claus, 1980
- Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Vincennes, 1987
- Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, Evansville, 1998
- Pastor, Holy Spirit Parish, Evansville, while continuing as pastor at Corpus Christi Parish, 2005
- Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, Evansville, 2007
His other service to the Diocese of Evansville included:
- Chaplain: Washington Knights of Columbus, 1964
- CYO Director for Washington Deanery, 1964
- CYO Director for Vincennes Deanery, 1967
- Vocation Promoter of Vincennes Deanery, 1969
- Evansville Area Catholic School Board, 1971
- Diocesan Family Life Vice-Chairman, 1973
- Re-elected Diocesan Family Life Vice-Chairman, 1975
- Diocesan Consultor and Member, Diocesan Senate of Priests, 1977
- Diocesan Consultor and Member, Diocesan Senate of Priests, 1982
He also was active in Marriage Encounter and Cursillo ministries.
Father Blessinger was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Adam Jr. “Jackie” Blessinger. Survivors include three brothers: Kenneth (Rose) of St. Anthony, David (Rite) of Jasper and Howard (Mary Jane) of Jasper, 11 nieces and nephews, and 17 great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will occur at Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT on Oct. 6, with a prayer vigil at 8 p.m. CT.
Visitation also will occur at Holy Family Parish in Jasper from 9 a.m. ET to Noon ET on Oct. 7, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Jasper.
Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville, Holy Family Parish in Jasper or to a favorite charity.
Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home in Jasper is handling arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
