Photo courtesy of Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas
1944 - 2019
Father James Barlow, a priest of the archdiocese who most recently served as pastor of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in San Antonio until his retirement last June, died at his residence in Castle Hills the morning of January 13, 2019. He was 74.
James Patrick Barlow was born on Nov. 23, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marion Barlow and his brother Timothy Barlow. He is survived by his brother, Robert T. Barlow (Patricia) and seven nieces and nephews.
Fr. Barlow earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Mary’s University before pursuing theology studies at St. Mary’s, Assumption Seminary, and Oblate School of Theology.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1973 at St. Luke’s Church. Prior to his priestly ordination, Barlow had served for a year as a deacon there.
Father Barlow was assigned as associate pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in San Antonio from June 1973 to June 1975, and then as associate pastor at St. Dominic’s Church in San Antonio from July 1975 to June 1980. He assumed the pastorate of St. Rose of Lima Church in Schulenburg from June 1980 to June 1983.
Father Barlow then began more than two decades of service as a chaplain in the United States Air Force in various assignments until his retirement from the military and subsequent return to the archdiocese.
In June 2007, Father Barlow was appointed as pastor of St. Luke Catholic Church for a six-year term. He oversaw an expansion and renovation of the church facility in 2009, and the dedication of a new gymnasium complex in 2011.
Father Barlow’s pastorate was renewed for an additional six-year term in 2013. Soon thereafter, Father Barlow was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the central nervous system which affects movement. Progression of the disease necessitated his retirement from the parish in June 2018.
He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and member of the American Legion.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Visitation will begin on Thursday, January 17th at 5:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will resume on Friday, January 18th at 8:30 A.M. with the Funeral Mass to be offered at 10:00 A.M. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian with military honors.
Read MoreFr. Jim. You have blessed our family with your homilies, smiles, and fervent worship of God, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We will never forget you and know we support the Military Archdiocese and your fellow priests that provide our Catholic faith all over the globe. A sincere thanks and heavenly blessings, good and faithful servant.
Robert & Judy Comer
January 09, 2024 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
Just saw this. Fr Jim was my priest at Ramstein AB Germany and presided at my RCIA confirmation. I am blessed to have known him.
John Roberts
September 12, 2021 | Richmond, VA | Military
Rest In Peace Father Barlow. The best Father I have had in my career that spans everywhere from Israel to Korea to Maryland. I recall you as my Father at my first duty station in Dover AFB, Delaware. You truly were carrying out the word of God. May you Rest In Peace and enjoy the serenity that comes with being in Heaven. Sincerely, Randy and Beth RicaFrente
RANDY N BETH RICAFRENTE
February 21, 2021 | JB ANDREWS, MD | Military
I never knew Father James Barlow and only recently discovered him through my family research. We are 3rd cousins descended from the Barlow Family of County Tipperary, Ireland. I was touched by the sentiments reflected in the Guest Book comments. Father James has influenced many lives through his service and has tried to make a difference. It is obvious that he succeeded in spades and I am proud to call him family. Sadly, we will never meet; nevertheless, the expressions of love expressed...
Michael Bird
August 06, 2020 | Family
So sorry to hear about Jim passing away. He lived next to me on Odyssey in Universal City when he was in the military. I'd walk his Golden Retriever when he would need it and I bought his Saturn for my daughter. What a wonderful man and neighbor he was.
Jill Gershon
March 04, 2019 | Clearwater, FL | Neighbor
I knew Father Jim when I was a child (Ramstein/80s). He was an amazing priest, mentor and friend to our family. We have a recording somewhere of him singing the beautiful "Song of Thanksgiving." Through all these years I still have fond memories of his hugs and humor. I pray for his peace and joy and envision him joking and laughing with Our Lord.
Kristin Haynes Cullinan
February 19, 2019 | Broad Run, VA | Friend
You shall live forevermore with our Lord in heaven, Fr. Barlow!
February 06, 2019
You were an inspiration and we were blessed to have known you. RIP dear Friend.
January 21, 2019
In loving memory for Fr. James. RIP
Ofelia FP
January 20, 2019 | San Antonio, TX