James L. Lewandowski

James L. “Father Jim” Lewandowski was 81 years of age when he expired and passed into his eternal reward at his residence on Friday, April 16, 2010. The Mass of Resurrection will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Fathers Leo Kennedy, Cletus Phifer and Wilfrid Logsden presiding. Entombment will follow at Brunswick Memorial Park with military honors.

He was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, the younger son of the late Louis H. and Veronica Donnelly Lewandowski. He was also preceded in death by his wife Margaret Lewandowski and a brother John R. Lewandowski. James attended Catholic elementary and High Schools in Toledo and upon graduation, he joined the seminary of Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America, Niagara University and De Sales School of Theology.

In June of 1954, James was ordained a priest in Wilmington, Delaware by the Most Reverend John McShea. He taught two years in a Catholic High School in Philadelphia, and also taught in a Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, New York. At the request of the Pastor, James served eight years as an Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Vienna, VA. In addition to his priestly duties, Father Jim served as moderator of all youth groups in the parish, was the Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus in Vienna, and Chaplain to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1965, James was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U. S. Naval Reserves, giving him tours of duty at the Navy Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island. He served as chaplain to the Commander Submarine Flotilla VI located in Charleston, SC. His third tour of duty took him to the Naval Air Station, Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii. In 1969 James served as Chaplain at the U.S. Naval Station, Glynco, Georgia. His final tour of duty prior to resigning his commission was aboard the U.S.S. Independence CVA 62 after two deployments to the Mediterranean, James resigned his commission as LCDR

In 1973, James petitioned Pope Paul IV for a dispensation from his priestly and religious duties. A full Papal disposition was granted the following year. In 1974, James met and eventually married Margaret Heavilin of St. Simons Island. They were married by Father Robert Brouse, S.M. at St. Williams Church.

Upon entering civilian life, James was hired by the U.S. Federal Courts, Southern District of Georgia, as a U.S. Probation Officer stationed in August, GA. When the probation office in Brunswick was established, James was transferred to it as the first U.S. Probation Officer. He served 18 years in the capacity until his retirement in 1992.

For the past 35 years, James has been an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Brunswick, teaching R.C. I.A. (adult instructions) for ten years. He served as president of the C.C.D., was a member of the stewardship committee, an usher for Vigil Masses, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1939.

Survivors include two sons, William R. Massey and wife Susan and Robert W. Heavilin and wife Denise, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The Rosary service will be prayed Tuesday Evening at 6:00 PM with visitation following until 8:00 PM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to The St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1217 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com