Reverend James J. Morgan

The Reverend James J. Morgan, a retired priest and resident of Holy Family Villa for Priests, died on Saturday, November 12, 2016. He was 81 years old. Fr. Morgan was born January 20, 1935 in Chester, PA; son of the late John L. and Rose (McDevitt) Morgan.

He attended St. Robert Elementary School and St. James High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He also attended Villanova University. Fr. Morgan was ordained May 14, 1960 at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, D.D. He celebrated his first Mass the next day at St. Robert in Chester. Fr. Morgans first priestly assignment was Professor at Marian Catholic High School, with residence at the former St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Coaldale, followed by resident at the former St. Anne Parish, Lansford, then as resident at St. Joseph Parish, Summit Hill. He was later named Assistant Financial Secretary for the Diocese of Allentown, with residence at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bethlehem, followed by Director Pro Tempore of Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem; Supervisor of the Diocesan Mailing Service, with residence at St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem; Professor, Cardinal Brennan High School, Fountain Springs, with residence at the former Annunciation BVM Parish, Shenandoah, residence at the former St. Canicus Parish, Mahanoy City, and residence at St. Joseph Parish, Frackville. He was named Administrator of the former Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Tower City, followed by Pastor of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Minersville, and then Fr. Morgan served as Parochial Vicar, Notre Dame Parish, Bethlehem. His last assignment was Chaplain of the Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.

During the course of his priestly ministry, Fr. Morgan served as Advocate, Diocesan Tribunal; Regional Associate Director of CYO Carbon County; Regional Director, Family Life Bureau, Northampton Deanery; member of the Council of Priests and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Morgan retired on July 15, 2008.

He is survived by his brother, John Morgan; sister, Rosemary Barans; sister-in-law, Carol Morgan; caregiver, Margaret “Peg” Tobias; as well as his nieces and nephews.

The Connell Funeral Home is honored to assist in arrangements. A visitation will be held at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Friday, November 18, 2016 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop Emeritus. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clergy Third Age Charitable Trust c/o Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Friday, November 18, 2016
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Notre Dame Catholic Church
1861 Catasauqua Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, November 18, 2016
11:00 AM
Notre Dame Catholic Church
1861 Catasauqua Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531