James Henry Mauck

It is with great sorrow that the family of James H. Mauck announces his passing on June 22, 2025, at the age of 83. A tireless advocate for the vulnerable and a visionary in Catholic social service and justice, Jim’s life was rooted in service, compassion, and deep faith.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and raised in Bridgeport, Ohio, Jim was the first in his family to pursue higher education. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from Wheeling Jesuit College and went on to receive a Master’s in Social Work from Saint Louis University.

Jim said it was the hand of God that led him to his lifelong vocation of service when he answered a job posting from Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wheeling to help Cuban children displaced by the Bay of Pigs. This decision would shape the next 44 years of his life.

Shortly after beginning his career as a caseworker, Jim was appointed a supervisor and then as the first lay diocesan director in the country. He served for 11 years as director of Catholic Charities in West Virginia before moving to Colorado in 1974. There, he became President and CEO of Catholic Charities and Community Services for the Archdiocese of Denver, a position he held for 33 years.

When he arrived, the organization operated on a $500,000 budget with 35 employees. Under his leadership, it grew into a $32 million organization with more than 600 staff, serving over 250,000 people through 40+ programs ranging from social justice to social services, including food banks, emergency assistance, housing, adoption services, hospices and refugee/immigration support.

Jim’s work with Catholic Charities also extended to the national level as he served on several committees and as a board member for Catholic Charities USA.

In 2004, he testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity, advocating for homeless families with children. “Children experiencing homelessness suffer from poor nutrition, inadequate health care… and high rates of learning disabilities,” he told lawmakers. He urged that public policy focus on stabilizing families, not simply sheltering them.

After retiring in 2007, Jim continued his advocacy by volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul and serving on the board of Neighbor Outreach of Colorado, remaining dedicated to the causes he held dear—especially children and families facing food insecurity.

Even with all of his accomplishments, Jim considered his wife Judy and their five children and spouses, and his 10 grandchildren his greatest joy. He loved having the boisterous family together. He was an avid outdoorsman who, with his sons, enjoyed fishing in the mountains or hunting on the eastern plains. Always looking for a challenge, he also completed the arduous Ride the Rockies twice! His family fondly remembers Jim’s easy going nature, his slow way of telling a story and his ability to have perfect joke at the exactly the right time.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Judith (Harazno), and their five children: Michelle Marroquin (Scott), Chad Mauck (Amy), Timothy Mauck (Laura), Aaron Mauck, and Jon Mauck (Samantha). He was a proud grandfather to Sam Mauck, Noah Mauck, Ryan Mauck, Maddie Marroquin, Marc Marroquin, Luke Marroquin, Will Marroquin, Dylan Marroquin, Claire Mauck, and Max Mauck.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 2 at 11 am at Christ the King Parish at 830 Elm Street, Denver, CO with a reception following in the church hall. A private interment will follow at a later date.

If you are interested in extending Jim’s lifelong passion and conviction for a just and caring community, the family kindly requests that any donations be made to Neighborhood Outreach of Colorado or to Saint Vincent de Paul at Christ the King Parish.