STAUNTON PE, Reverend James (Jim) Francis

STAUNTON PE, Reverend James (Jim) Francis

Reverend James (Jim) Francis Staunton PE was ordained a priest on 6 June 1954. Fr Jim arrived in Australia from Ireland where his first appointment was as the Assistant Priest at Brunswick Parish in 1955. He was later appointed as Assistant Priest at Kensington Parish in 1958, Parkville Parish 1959 and Brunswick West Parish 1964. In 1965 he was appointed as the Assistant Priest for Melbourne South Parish, where he also ministered as visiting Chaplain to the recruits to the police force in St Kilda Road. In 1965 he was appointed Assistant Priest for St Kilda West Parish and then as Parish Administrator for Oakleigh East Parish in 1967. He was appointed then as Parish Priest in 1969 where he remained in Oakleigh East Parish for 22 years, until 1989 where he was appointed Parish Priest of Blackburn South Parish. Fr Jim remained at Blackburn South Parish for 21 years until 2010 where he was appointed Pastor Emeritus upon his retirement. Fr Jim was deeply appreciated by his brother priests for his priestly service and sense of humour. The Archdiocese is most grateful for his service to the Church, his pastoral care and spiritual guidance for over 70 years. May he rest in peace. Priests' Retirement Foundation "Caring for those who cared".