Rev. Msgr. James Dennis O'Shea

He was born in Springfield on April 24, 1937, the son of Harold William and Jane Elizabeth (Trihey) O’Shea.

Fr. Jim attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, graduated from Cathedral Boys High School, and later earned his Master’s Degree from University of Saint Mary of the Lake. He was ordained on May 23, 1964. Fr. Jim was assigned 14 parishes, but was able to share his faith with a total of 18 throughout various cities including Springfield, Alton, Wood River, Villa Grove, Hume, Brocton, Mt. Sterling, Mt. Zion, Decatur, and Bethany. He devoted 12 years to several parishes in Decatur. Fr. Jim was Dean of the Decatur Deanery from 2002-2008, titled senior priest status in 2008, and pastor emeritus of St. Thomas the Apostle in Decatur of 2016. No matter where he served, he stated that he was very happy to serve as a priest. He said, “I’ve found every parish is really beautiful and has holy people. It has been a blessed time.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Patrick J. O’Shea and David L. “Bud” O’Shea.

Fr. Jim is survived by his brother, Paul W. (Lynne) O’Shea and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 South Walnut St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Additional visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 South Walnut St., Springfield, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, celebrant, Rev. Msgr. David Hoefler, V.G., homilist, and priests of the Springfield Diocese, concelebrating.

Mass of Christian Burial may be viewed via livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/2700535

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.