James Eugene Provence

The Most Reverend James Eugene Provence went home to God on March 22, 2022, age 74, at North Bay Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, brother, Father Mautner and Father Dillon were by his side. James Provence was born in San Francisco to Eugene Addis Provence and Beulah Saum Provence. Raised in the nearby suburb of San Mateo, he was baptized and confirmed at the Episcopal Church of St Matthew. Following his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, Provence spent the next 30 years at San Francisco State University first, as a broadcast engineer in radio and television, then transferring his skills to the motion picture industry. It was during this time that changes in the Episcopal Church and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, caused him to leave St Matthews to join a new congregation of traditional Episcopalians. This parish was one of the original six that started the Anglican Province of Christ the King.

Bishop Provence responded to the call to the clergy and attended Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Theological College, fall of 1980 and completed his course of study in 1983 with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree followed by post-graduate studies in canon law. He was a member of the faculty of St Joseph's, where he taught courses in ecclesiology, ecclesiastical polity, and canon law. He was ordained a Deacon in the Anglican Province of Christ the King on September 11, 1983, and Priest on June 24, 1989. He served as Rector of Saint Stephens Church in Yountville before being assigned to Saint Thomas Church in San Francisco, where he worked as Rector for 16 years. Provence was consecrated as Bishop on March 1, 2003, where he also held the dual role of Bishop of the Western states. On June 29, 2007, he was elected the second Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Christ the King. When a vacancy arose in the Diocese of the Atlantic States he stepped into that responsibility as well. Bishop Provence was a popular instructor at the Seminary. He served on numerous Boards of Directors of the various organizations of the Anglican Province of Christ the King.

Upon retirement in 2015, James became a Docent for the Sacramento State Railroad Museum, picking up his love of trains from his father. He guided many visitors through the museum and demonstrated the history and lore of California railroads that played such a big part in the State, instilling excitement and interest in those lucky enough to meet him at the museum. He loved to read and continued his study of the Bible. As one parishioner said "the best teacher of the Bible I have ever known…insightful interpretation". He loved traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant sister, Catherine Mildred Provence. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Sandra, are his daughters Catherine Manochio (Dennis), Deborah Bravo (Frank), and stepchildren Andrew Kerrigan (Lily), Shaina Jones (Mark), grandchildren Jonathan Bravo, Spencer Bravo, Sheri Haggerty, Katelynn Haggerty, Faye Kerrigan, Audrey Kerrigan, Sophia Jones, and Charleston Jones, brother Marc Provence, sister Carol Siebert and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place at 10 AM, Saturday, May 7, 2022 at St Stephens Church, 1250 Oakville Grade Rd Oakville, CA. 94562. Burial at St Helena Cemetery, 2461 Spring Street, St Helena, Ca 94574 will follow after a short reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation or The James E Provence fund for the Future of St Thomas, 2725 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115