James Sheehan

Caro James, pensiamo sempre ai bei momenti passati insieme qui in Sicilia. RIP

I received an email regarding our 25th class reunion at Mount St. Mary's. I began reflecting on all of my experiences at the Mount which quickly brought me to reflecting on the friendships made and those lost. Still thinking of you Jim. Continue to rest in peace my friend.

Think of you all the time! Rest peacefully in Heaven Jimmy. Miss you and love you! Aunt Rosemarie

My deepest sympathy to the family of Fr. Joseph Sheehan. I met Jim while I initiated my philosophy studies at Seton Hall University. The next time I met him was when I was sent to the Cathedral of Newark to do a Carmelite Mission Appeal for my province - The North American Province of St. Elias, Middletown, NY. I was received at the Cathedral with great hospitality by Jim and the Vocations Director of the Diocese then, whose name now escapes me. I was thinking of Jim today, September 28, 2012, while I attended the Funeral Mass of the Very Rev. John J. Russell, O. Carm. If Jim were alive today I'm sure he would have been present with the Carmelites, and his fellow priests of the Archdiocese of New York. Be assured of my prayers for the repose of his soul. I'm sure that Fr. Jack is now in the company of Jim.
Fr. Roberto J. Perez, O. Carm.
St. Simon Stock Church
2191 Valentine AVENUE
Bronx, NY 10457
954.592.1542
[email protected]

Well done good and faithful servant. Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathy,

I was extremely honored to know MSGR. Sheehan. I was an Altar Server at St. John's Bergenfield when I met him. From day one, he inspired me. He always had a smile on his face. Their was many Sundays when I worked that he would walk with me when I went to the bakery to get bread and we would just talk about life and he always talked about his family. There was one time when he told me he was asked to give mass at a hotel for the Jacksonville Jaguars football team. I convinced him that I needed to go as his altar server and after a while of convincing he laughed and said sure. We went and met some players and that definitly who he was. He always looked out for others before himself. He also gave me his tickets to the football game that Monday night. He is definitly a great friend to me.

Being in the Navy, I lost touched with friends due to mving around and deployment. I was suprised when I received a letter from him. He saw my name and picture in a newspaper for an award and said he was so proud of me. I had tears when I read that.

I emailed MSGR Arnhols and asked him how everyone was and he told me about MSGR Jim. I was sad when I heard. I emailed him to wish him the best.

I am currently serving in Iraq and today I came to work and received an email form my parents saying that MSGR Jim passed away. That was the worst but in away he has stopped sufferring and went to GOD where he will still change lives. I am extremely saddened that we lost a great man, a person who cared for others before him and most of all a person who I considered a great friend to me. That letter he sent me is what I am going to cherish. That letter will always stay with me wherever I may go.

MSGR Sheehan, You will be greatly missed and I will pray for you and your family.

-Petty Officer John A Pampaloni
Bergenfield NJ
Al ASAD Iraq

Dear Sheehan Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. While I didn't personally know Fr. Jim, I feel, through his family and comments at the Mass, that I had the priviledge of sharing a small part of his life. He is now in the hands of his and our Boss. While it is a mystery to us, God knows why He called Jimmy and what new role Jimmy will serve. God Bless all of you

Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sheehan family and to the staff and friends of the Archdiocese of Newark. I had the pleasure to work with Msgr. Jim in the Archbishop's office at the Archdiocese of Newark. He was always very thoughtful in his work, word and deed. I was most impressed by his intelligence which made him very mature beyond his years. He always had a kind word for all he came in contact with and his humour and laughter brightened the day. Also, he had a great singing voice. May his voice join in now with all the angels in song. Msgr. Jim, may your soul rest in peace.

To the sheehan Family
we are so sorry for your loss,Fr Jim was a special person in every way
we will miss him dearly.
Gloria, Drue and Dr.Salvato

Dear Sheehan family, We were very sorry to hear about Fr. Jim. We knew his Mom, Marie. She was so very proud of him. Please extend our prayers and thoughts to all. With sincere sympathy,
Beverly and William Cambria and cousin to Marie Sheehan, Rose Verzillo (Westfield, New Jersey)

Dear Sheehan family, please accept my condolances for the loss of Fr. Jim. I was ordeined in Newark on May 2006 and I had the opportunity to meet Fr. Jim in many occasions. I will keep you in my prayers believing that also Fr.Jim is praying for you and for all the Church in particolar the one of Newark.
Fr. Giandomenico Flora

Dear Sheehan family, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Jim . I had the pleasure of being in Jim's company several times . I am a dear friend of Annette Cirincione . My thoughts & prayers are with you . Sincerely, Marion Grogan

Jim and I were in every class together from 8th grade through high school. We went together like salt and pepper. He was a great friend and had the kindest soul. I have always tried to folow his kindness, patience and respect. My heart is breaking for his family. I will keep him in my prayers always.

How am I supposed to plan another reunion without you, Jimmy? xoxox -Jen

I am home in Heaven dear ones,
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
In a way so hard to tread
And with Jesus' arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not greive so sorely
For I love you dearly still
Try to look beyond earths shadows
Pray to trust our Fathers Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand
Do it now while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed
He will gently call you Home
Oh, the rapture of that meeting
Oh, the joy to see you come!

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. We attended college at Mount Saint Mary’s together, and all the laughter, walks to the Grotto and around campus, drives to NJ (where we're both from), and long talks confiding in each other will stay in my heart forever. Jim had touched so many lives, and accomplished so much in his short 39 years here. To the Sheehan family, I am deeply sorry for your loss – Jim was a very special person who will be missed by all. I will never forget you, Jim.

FATHER JIM WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS GENTLE,
KIND SOUL WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE. MY NIECE LEIGH MADE HER COMMUNION AT ST.
JOHNS AND FATHER JIM OFFICATED AT THE CEREMONY AND HE GAVE A WONDERFUL SERMON.
OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE SHEEHAN FAMILY

WE HAVE LOST A SPECIAL MAN.

JOAN, LINDA & LEIGH

We have known "Fr. Jim" for several years. Of course, as he moved around, we missed seeing him for a while. When we first saw him after his illness, it was such a shock to see how thin he had gotten. But when we last saw him at the beginning of the summer, he indicated that things were improving ... and, indeed, he had begun to put some weight back on. What a shock to hear last Monday morning of his passing on Sunday. He was a beautiful, kind, compassionate, caring, interested, and delightful person, and there was never any doubt of his love of his Lord, his Church, and his vocation. In 39 short years, Fr. Jim accomplished far more than most of us could even hope to achieve in a life span 3 times his, and he touched so, SO many lives along the way. We know where Fr. Jim will spend eternity. He has gone to the mansion prepared for him by his beloved, and loving, Father. Rest in peace, Fr. Jim. Thank you for your friendship and the fine example you set of a dedicated, humble servant of the people of God. We will miss you, your priestly gifts, and your Irish twinkle tremendously.

Joe and Wendy Hoffman

Jim the Woderfull priest always fare and ready to help ,I know he is with God pray for us Jim

Ricordiamo con immensa commozione i felici giorni trascorsi insieme in Sicilia nel Settembre 2008. Caro JAMES resterai sempre nei nostri cuori e di tutti quelli che ti hanno conosciuto. CIAO!
Luciano, Mariella, Angela, Sara CIRINCIONE

I was shocked to hear of the untimely passing of Msgr. Sheehan, a friend of mine from the time we studied Canon Law at the Catholic University of America. He was a fine man and an exemplary priest. What a loss it is for the Archdiocese and indeed the Church. My prayers are for his family and for the Archdiocese he loved. I know he will be missed by many, and rightfully so. There have been few like him. May God grant unto him eternal rest and peace.

God has called one of his angels home! Everytime I had the occasion of meeting Fr. Jim at church functions he had that wonderful smile and knowing that I was from Garwood, where he had once lived, he would say,"Hi Garwood!" I always told him he would be the first American pope due to his intelligence and compassion. My heart broke when I heard the news of his passing. My condolences to his family.

Sharon Speck - Garwood, N.J.

On behalf of myself it is with sorrow that I hear of the passing of Father Sheehan. We met in Rome while on pilgrimage for the Pastoral Provision group of which I was present. His attention to his guests was amazing and was such a gracious man. This was only confirmed with our most recent visit to Newark for the Anglican Use meeting held last year.
He was a good man with a great heart and he will be missed.
Requiescat in Pace.
Sincerely, Jim Hilborn

On behalf of all of us here at the Parish of the Transfiguration, Newark, NJ I wish to express our sincere condolonces to His Grace, the Archbishop of Newark, tribinal staff and Msgr. Sheehan's family. I met Msgr. Sheehan shortly after coming to the Archdiocese of Newark. He welcomed me gracefully. He has been a great priest of our local church. May God welcome him to His heavenly banquet.

Fr. Josephat Kato Kalema

E' così difficile descrivere ciò che si sente in momenti come questi dove si rimane attoniti e le parole non servono ad alleviare il dolore per una perdita così grande; le persone come Lui non ci lasciano, si allontanano solamente e la luce che Jimmy ha acceso in sé stesso risplenderà sempre su di noi. Lo avremo sempre nel nostro cuore.
Luisito e Gabriella Cirincione

On behalf of myself, the parish staff, the priests and deacons, and the parishioners of Holy Trinity in West Harwich on Cape Cod, I extend sincere sympathy to Msgr. Jim's family and to the presbyterate of the Archdiocese of Newark. We enjoyed Msgr. Jim's visits here in the summer and all of us are quite shaken and deeply saddened to learn of his death. Be assured that he will be remembered in our prayers at all the Masses this weekend and fondly remembered by many for many years to come.

It seems like only yesterday that I saw him walking through the halls of the Archdiocese. And despite the physical toll of his illness, there was a peace that just exuded from him. Though we have lost an amazing priest, we have gained an adovcate in heaven. May you rest in peace Msgr. Jim!!

Ho conosciuto James a Palermo, nel 2008, quando è venuto a visitare Gratteri, il paese in cui nacquero i suoi avi. Ho potuto conoscerlo per pochi giorni, ma ha lasciato in me un profondo ricordo. la sua pace, il suo sorriso e la sua serenità hanno profondamente segnato la mia vita. Lo porterò sempre nel cuore. e anche la mia famiglia

Angela Cirincione (Palermo, ITALY)

Fr. Sheehan may the Almighty Lord receive you into eternal life. Rest in peace my brother priest.
Fr. Ezio Antunes - Holy Trinity Epiphany Church, Newark, NJ

I was blessed to meet Fr Jim through his job as my brother,s right hand man. I had the pleasure of traveling on pilgrimages with him and spending time in Newark and Pittstown when I visited my brother. He was like another brother. I already miss him and his smiling Irish eyes. My sympathy to his family and fellow priests, etc.

Msgr. Jim will be missed you were a very special part of my life I will miss the e-mails the phone calls and the lunches and dinners we had together when we were able you always managed to make time for others. You were a great friend and a wonderful priest, I will treasure the memories when you married my son how very special you made that day by including Fr. Darcy to particpate in the ceremony and then again when you baptized Connor James you made that day another special day by including Fr. Darcy again you made us feel so loved. My grandson will be sure to hear about and what a great person you were. Please watch over us from heaven my prayers and condolences to the Sheehan Family

Msgr. Jim always had a smile on his face as he walked the hallways at the Archdiocese. I will never forget that he told me last February that when the Lord was ready to take him, that he would be ready to go. His faith was so strong. He will be missed! Msgr. Jim, I hope you heard my prayer today!

I went to college with Jim and one of my fondest memories of him was when he sang Friends are Friends forever at our graduation. He was a wonderful person and always had a smile on his face. I lost touch with him over the years, but am certainly glad to have met him and have many great college memories for which he is a part. God Bless Jim and all his friends and family.

Rest in peace Fr Jim. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for inspiring so many families including our own.

So many good time I shared with Jimmy, and I will hold on to them dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My husband and I are saddened by the loss of such an inspirational man. We were and remain so honored that Monsignor James Sheehan presided over our marriage ceremony 9 years ago. He touched our lives that day as he has touched so many lives. He will be missed on earth, but heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Our condolences to the Sheehan family.

My condolences to the Sheehan family for this great loss. Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. Fr. Jim (Jimmy) was a kind, gentle, humble, pious and, not to mention, humorous person. I have such fond memories of times that I have shared with Jimmy. In person or via email, he always could put a smile on anyone’s face. He has touched so many lives in so many ways. He was truly an example of God’s best work. He will truly be missed. May he be at peace and rest in the arms of the angels in heaven. Until we meet again. (Save me a seat next to you, Jimmy) May we take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over us. Peace, prayers and blessings. With deepest sympathies.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Jimmy, how many lives you touched along your journey here on earth. Even as a child the light that surrounded you was undeniable. All though your time on earth was short in years it was so very full and special. I will hold dear the memories of you and your beautiful spirit. My condolences to your family.

A true loss of an amazingly inspirational man. I have so many fond memories of Jim from our high school choir and I will cherish them always. You always had a smile on and were a true friend to so many - you will be greatly missed but your mission will live on in everyone who has ever been touched by you.M

My condolonces to the Sheehan family. I went to high school with Jim. I cannot say enough how nice it was to get to know you -you were one of the nicest people I've ever met. May you rest in peace. Claire Castellano-Schaefer

My thoughts & prayers to the family,God Bless

I knew jimmy as a young boy.So sad of the loss and bless his family. prayers to all...
the Keller Family

We met in 1995 when he trained our son Greg to be an altar server at St Anne's in Garwood. What a kind caring young man he was to the children and to their parents. We will keep him and his family in our prayers. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to the Sheehan family. I went to high school with Jim and he was the nicest person you'd ever hope to meet. May he rest in peace, knowing he accomplished so much in his too short time here on Earth.

Fr. Jimmy was a great friend. A true brother KofC. A follower of Jesus Christ. May he rest in peace.
Vivat Jesus,
Deacon Vince Accardi

Jimmy, I just want to say thank you for your friendship and love. When my father passed, you took me under your wing and helped me. This breaks my heart, and all I can say is thank you for the memories and your friendship. Jenn Penn Haley (formerly Kenilworth NJ now Hillsborough NJ).

My condolences go out to the Sheehan family. RIP Jimmy..

I've known Jimmy for as long as I can remember. I will hold and cherish all the memories we shared from grade school and high school. Until we meet again.

Such very sad news. Jim was truly one of the nicest people I have ever known.

I knew your brother/uncle as Fr. Jim. He was a pleasure to know and work with. He was always kind and thoughtful. Because of him my step son went through the RCIA program when he was 13. He will never be forgotten. Very sorry for your loss. Peace, prayers & blessings.

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember him from high school and he was always such a nice guy. My condolences to his family.

Jimmy was always one of the kindest and nicest boys in grade school and high school..He had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that matched his smile. My condolences to his family.

Jim was a Christian gentleman and a scholar. He was a humble priest. The last time I saw him was on retreat in Boston. His death has come as a shock to everyone. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

Fr. Paul A. Burke
Atlanta

How sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was one of the sweetest, most gentle people I knew at the Mount. I lost track of him after graduation, but it's clear he made a real impact in his community and career. God Speed, Fr. Jim; please put in a good word for us all with the Boss.

I had a great day in Rome with Jim. I was traveling alone and he was kind enough to show me some of the sights. My favorite memory is when we were standing at the rooftop of the American College looking at the city of Rome and he turned to me, a Westfield resident, and said with a big smile: "don't you miss Union County?". Hah. He talked at great length that day about his nieces and nephews and his great love for them and appreciation for their parents. We also discussed our mutual love of Bruce Springsteen. I was happy to have him dine with us in Westfield when he came back to New Jersey and spend time with my husband and children.

I will miss Jim very much. He was a great priest with a tremendous intellect and outstanding sense of humor. Condolences to his family.

Trish Fitzpatrick

What a wonderful and inspirational spirit! Many memories of singing with you in school! May you rest in eternal peace.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Father Jim but have only heard about him through my sister, Clare. As my mother used to say, "God only picks perfect flowers for his garden." I believe that Fr. Jim was needed by God in heaven more than all of the lives he touched here in his short life. My condolences to his family and I pray that he continues to live on through each and every one of you.

Father Sheehan was one of the good ones, who touched the lives of many, including me. God rest his soul, and my condolences to the Sheehan family upon this tragic loss.

Jim was a friend from Mount Saint Mary's where he lived across the hall from me my Freshman year and roomed with my good friend, Mike Riordan. Jim and I happened to grow up in adjoining towns in NJ, so we shared many rides together during school breaks and holidays. I'll always remember him as a terrific guy with a big heart and a joyful demeanor. It was a shock to hear of Jim's passing, but I know that he had a tremendous impact on many, many people during his time here with us.

Rest in peace, Jim.

Love and prayers to the family. Rest in peace Jimmy.

Sweet memories of growing up I'll hold dear - till we meet again...

Jim and I shared many classes at the Mount. We were all blessed by his sense of humor and joy for life, which he shared openly with everyone he touched. I'll never forget his laugh!

Really really sad. One of the best guys i ever mad. Glad to share my childhood with you Jimmy. Rest in Peace Father.

-Matt Dolly

My condolences to the Sheehan family. I knew Jim in high school and he was always a super great guy, it was apparent that his heart was a bigger than other people, he truly got along with everyone. RIP Jimmy.

I got to know Jim very well at Catholic University from 1999 to 2001, We became friends during summer school in 1999 and 2000, and then went to school full time to get our licentiate in Canon Law. Jim and I sat next to each other the full year - we were table mates. We shared many laughs and a few sorrows during that time. We became good friends, and got in touch with each other from time to time. I always got on his case to attend our canon law conventions, and he did make the one in Buffalo, NY last October - it was so good to see him. His death came as a complete surprise to me - I learned of it on the canon law list serv, and also from another classmate, Zabrina Decker, with whom we used to hang around during canon law school. At the time we got our degrees, Jim was 29 and I was 54; however, age never was a barrier to us. Jim was a wonderful person and exemplary priest. He took his vocation very seriously, yet he was also able to let his hair down and have a good time with his classmates, at the rare times we could tear ourselves from our books. I always intended to visit him in Newark - alas, I should have taken advantage of his offer - but now it is too late, for which I am sad. When I think of those days at CU, my table mate, Jim, was one of those who kept my spirits high during that difficult academic time in our lives. There are so many stories to share - many very funny, some of them touching, but all of them indicative of what a first class person and priest Jim was and is. I will greatly miss him, and grieve his loss. I look forward to seeing him in heaven.

My prayers are with you and your family. It was great to see you at our 20th reunion last year. You will be missed........RIP Jim

I remember Father Jim from St. John's. He was a very nice and caring man.

My condolences to the Family.

God Bless you Father Jim.

Though my sister and I never met Msgr. Sheehan, we always felt that we knew him. Our parents, Paul and Eleanor Lawless, got to know the Sheehan family while attending St. Anne's Church, Garwood. Dad was delighted to discover that James was a student at Mt. St. Mary's College, Dad's alma mater. An instant bond was created, and my folks "adopted" him as their fifth child. We are so sorry for your loss. May your saddness be replaced with happy memories. May James rest in peace, joy, and celebration with the Lord!

Maureen Lawless Curtin & Barbara Lawless Owens

Rest in peace Jim.

so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with your family. i attended high school with james and was glad to have seen him at our 20 year reunion. he was a great person to know. god bless his family