Father Ernest J. "E.J." Jacques S.J.

It is sad to find out about Fr. Jacques' passing. I met him in 1985, and was fortunate to be hired by him to become the business administrator at St. John's Cathedral in Shreveport. He was a brilliant man and a great boss. I remember fondly our many downtime chats where he shared stories of his time in Africa as well as his years in the education positions he held. I owe him a great deal for choosing me for the position I ultimately enjoyed for twenty one years! My condolences to his relatives.
Frank Prest

More than fifty years later and I still remember the then Mr E.J. Jacques SJ and the now Father E.J. Jacques SJ with admiration and respect. He was one of the best of a superb group of teachers who challenged, inspired, and motivated us to strive to be more than what was expected of us. Make no mistake, much was expected and he drew out even more. Thank you Father Jacques!
Ave atque vale! Oro pro Societas et pro Tu!

Pierre Kirk
Bluejay Class of 1963
Jesuit New Orleans

Father Jacques was truly an inspirational, brilliant, and thought provoking man. Even after his stroke he still managed to challenge me intellectually and spiritually. I had been blessed to be his occupational therapist. He was truly a stubborn and demanding teacher who continued to educate without the need for a classroom. I learned so much from Father Jacques... He will certainly be missed. Sorry for your loss Mr. Rene

By far the most brilliant and practical teacher I have ever known. Rest in peace.

Steve Richard - JHS Class of '74

On behalf of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and Brother Martin High School, I offer our prayers and condolences. The Brothers will say a Mass in his memory.

Kenny Spellman '84
Alumni Director

Father Jacques was one of the most influential teachers I've ever had. I will never forget the shock in my freshman theology class as he handed back that first set of papers, most of which were marked "F", many due to a single incorrectly spelled word or error in grammar. He might have been unsuccessful at developing my spirituality, but I learned more about writing from him than from the rest of my English teachers combined.

Although his high and unwavering standards certainly put off some of the other students, I remember that his door was always open. I spent a lot of time in that office with other freshmen, because it was clear that Father Jacques cared about each of us, and understood how intimidating our new academic environment appeared (even before the seniors really bore down on us). Most importantly, he never blamed us for being brought up in what he regarded a cultural wasteland. :)

My heart goes out to the family and friends who had the privilege of knowing him for so much longer than we did.

Rene' my condolences on your loss! Stay well!

Lew Troxclair

I believe Father Jacques gave to me, in a short phrase, one of the most important bedrock theological ideas that has stuck with me and been a support in my life long after my years at Tampa Jesuit. I now recognize that I really didn't understand the lesson at the time but the message has worked on me and now I often repeat it to myself and others. I remember this lesson being yelled at me with Father Jacques standing over my desk….”Astolfi, if you don't know the answer to the theological question just answer “COVENANT”. Thanks Father.

I remember Fr. Jacques well from my time as a student of his in 9th Grade Theology class at Jesuit High in Tampa back in 1977 or so. He was a good man and an interesting teacher.

My sincere condolences to his family and his fellow Jesuits.

Regards,

Father Jacques played an integral part of my high school experience. I will always remember his dry wit and knowledge of the Bible. Most of all, I will remember how he tried to alleviate the anxieties I felt trying excel in a competitive school environment ("Don't be nervous!"). Whenever my Jesuit High School friends and I reminisce about our high school experience, Father Jacques is sure to be mentioned with fondness and laughter.