Rev James F. Dorr C.M.

Rev. James F. Dorr, C.M., age 96, died on July 22 at Catherine’s Infirmary, located in St. Vincent’s Seminary in the Germantown, Philadelphia. Born in Buffalo, NY November 3, 1930, he was the youngest child of Frank and Helen (nee Clancy) Dorr. He was brother of Thomas, and sisters Maryruth (Butler), Dorothy (Kelly), and Joan (McGovern), along with many nieces and nephews whom he cherished. Fr. Jim grew up in Buffalo, NY, attended Canisius High School and Niagara University, where he formed lifelong friendships and found his vocation to priesthood.

After graduation, he entered the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). He studied at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, PA, and was ordained May 31, 1958. In his sixty-eight years of priesthood, Fr. Jim served in a variety of ministries: Panama missionary, high school teacher, parish priest, vocation director, and chaplain. His longest ministry was at St. John’s University, Queens, NY as a beloved chaplain to students, faculty, and staff. It was here Fr. Jim’s talent as a fund-raiser came to fruition. In his desire to help students afford a college education, he began a scholarship fund through an annual alumni golf tournament, which raised over one million dollars. Upon his retirement, St. John’s named it in his honor. Fr. Jim’s last priestly work was to celebrate Sunday Mass for stable hands and workers at Belmont Racetrack, another example of his enduring pastoral care. In all these works, he brought a compassionate heart, priestly dedication to the sacraments, and warmth and wit that endeared him to so many.

In his four years at St. Catherine’s, Fr. Jim often regaled nurses, staff, fellow Vincentians and his many visitors with his warm welcome, Irish wit, and colorful stories of his long life and ministry.

The schedule for Fr. Jim Dorr’s wake and funeral Mass is:

Wake: Wednesday, July 29: 3-5:00pm, 7-9:00pm, Thursday, July 30: 9:10:00am St. Vincent’s Seminary, Community Chapel, 500 E. Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia.  Funeral: Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, July 30, 10:30am St. Vincent’s, Community Chapel Burial, 500 E. Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia.  Thursday, July 30, 2:00pm Princeton Abbey Cemetery, Princeton, NJ