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James Erving Obituary
Rev. James Charles Erving, OMI, born in Brooklyn, New York on January 22, 1971, died in San Antonio, Texas on March 18, 2014, at the age of 43 years. Fr. Erving entered Novitiate on August 17, 1994, in Godfrey, Illinois, and professed vows as a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on August 1, 1995. Fr. Erving completed his studies in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy in 1999. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2000, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Towson, MD, by Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI. Prior to his priestly ordination, Fr. Erving served as Campus Minister and Teacher at St. Anthony Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Erving's first priestly assignment was as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell, MA. He then served in vocation ministry in the Northeast. Fr. Erving also served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Angels Parish in Buffalo, NY; and Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Eagle Pass, Texas. Fr. Erving served as Pastor at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Port Isabel, Texas; and Our Lady of Refuge Parish in Roma, Texas. While in Buffalo, NY, Fr. Erving hosted a radio program on The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network. In South Texas, he was very active in the ACTS movement and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, as a third degree Knight. At the request of Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Fr. Erving also served as Director of the Respect Life Apostolate of the Diocese of Brownsville. In addition to his Oblate family, Fr. Erving is survived by his parents, Joseph and Eileen (Tierney) Erving; his sister, Elizabeth Gonzalez and her husband, Rubén Gonzalez; his brother, Daniel Erving and his wife Amy Erving; his nephews, Joseph and Patrick Gonzalez; and his nieces, Annabelle Gonzalez, Grace Erving, and Nora Erving. Fr. Erving will be remembered with respect and esteem by his Oblate brothers and all the people who were recipients of his pastoral care. Funeral services will be held at Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel at 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78216. Viewing will take place on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 5:00 PM, and a Vigil/Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Oblate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 327 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216. Condolences may be sent to the Erving family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by:
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Memories and Condolences
for James Erving
Eiko Lawrence
March 4, 2020
Having a mass done for you Fr. Jim on March 18th back home in Cheektowaga NY at St. John Gualbert. I'm in California now but remember the "good ole days" in Buffalo and I'm very grateful for our brief friendship. You taught us all alot at the bible study at the Carnevales and especially on Catholic radio. Your presence is missed.
Lupita Hilda Mendoza
March 15, 2019
Father Diego, will forever be in my heart. His anniversary was getting close so a Mass was said in his memory at Our Lady Of Grace, La Coste, Texas I will never forget all the good he did for Our Lady Of Refuge Church in Eagle Pass.
FERNANDO SOTO
March 13, 2019
We remember you as a spiritual force that God sent to our lives when we lost our precious son. The confession I had with you when I was in so much pain, re-focused completely my relationship with Jesus, and made me be more involved in Church Ministries. God bless you and my son, both in heaven.
Stephanie White
November 12, 2016
For the soul of Fr Jim
Stephanie White
November 12, 2016
Fr Jim is a huge part of my reversion and continues to be a help when I listen to his talks. He is a wonderful holy priest and friend. I pray for the intercession of Our Everyday Mom, Blessed Mother Mary, to take Fr Jim straight to Jesus in Heaven forever. I love him and am eternally grateful for his service to God, his love for souls, and his beautiful message of God's mercy. Fr Jim, please pray for us, -as I will pray for your soul; and when I get to see you in Heaven I will hug you and thank you. Your sister in Christ, Stephanie White
August 16, 2014
I come late to this terrible news. This morning after Mass someone told me Fr. Jim passed away. They knew about my connection with this man who still heard his calling over Monday night football and a beer in an Irish tavern near his mom's back in late November 2003.
Father Jim occupied the stool next to mine, except I was reading the paper with my back to the screen, enjoying a great burger for which the Still was known.
He had his back to the bar watching the game unfold, and he struck up a conversation. After 20 minutes of conversing about travel, I asked him what he did.
When he answered that he was a priest the words formed in my mind, "This is for you." I had been away from the Church for 31 years, and nearly two years earlier I had prayed to the Father to bring me home to Him, while knowing I was at that time unable to set foot in a church.
When I "heard" that, I knew this priest was p[art of God's plan for me. Fr. Jim challenged me to go to Confession, and begin attending Mass on Sundays & Holy days for a month, after I hesitated at his initial offer to do so for one year, but without making any commitment that I had returned for good until I had "tried it to see" what I thought after that time.
I began attending Mass that Sunday, the first Sunday in advent 2003, and never looked back. I have grown into an ardent Catholic, with a growing interior spirituality centered on Jesus and His Father.
I "celebrate" the anniversary of my return to Jesus and His Church every year, both the morning of Fr. Jim hearing my confession before he returned to MA, where he was assigned at the time, and the first Sunday of each Advent. In fact, I have had several significant spiritual developments occur at that same time of year on more than one occasion.
Of course, as I commemorate my return my thanksgiving includes lifting Fr. Jim up to the Lord in gratitude.
I've tried contacting him several times over the years to tell him that my return had "stuck,"but without success. A later attempt resulted in my being directed to contact him at a number in TX but I could only leave a message which was unreturned.
The silver lining in this sad news is that now I know he has since learned that he is responsible for my soul having returned to the Lord, and having begun the process which has brought me to where I am now. Praise God!
Thank you, Fr. Jim! You heard the Lord's call and you saved my life!
Phil Steinacker
August 16, 2014
Cockeysville MD
Janine Congi
May 1, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of Fr. Jim's passing as he was a very special priest and person and I was fortunate to speak with him via phone and on radio and meet him on an occasion at station of the cross events. He was such a genuine person and so very kind hearted yet he was very tough and strong as as well. His humor was amazing and he could have been a stand up comic besides the priesthood. My kids often laughed at his jokes as we would listen to him on the radio at times and we all learned more about our faith just listening to him. I had thought about him a lot recently remembering he was in Texas and what a great priest he was and hoped he might come back to Western New York as we were blessed to have him in our area and I was very sad to hear of his illness and how he battled with, it but so bravely. God be With You All!
April 21, 2014
We met Fr. Jim at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell, MA. My children attended the Immaculate Conception grammar school. He helped coach the soccer team. We all liked Fr. Jim very much. We are were all very sorry to hear that he had passed away.
Brady Tierney
April 4, 2014
To the Erving Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was an amazing man!!!! I am so happy that the Lord granted him one more St.Patricks Day. He is now blessing and taking care of us all. My prayers to your entire family!
Mary Pfeiffer
April 4, 2014
I had the pleasure of getting to know Fr. Jim while he was assigned to Holy Angels in Buffalo, NY. Because of the relationship between the parish and D'Youville College I was able to experience his work first hand. It was very apparent that he was a true servant of God and his love of the priesthood and ministry to serve God's people was evident in all that he did. My deepest sympathies to all who mourn his passing.
Tina Harbison
April 2, 2014
I had the great privledge to know Fr. Jim while he served at Holy Angels in Buffalo. From the first time I met him I knew he was a holy man. He had the gift to be able to read my heart and helped me through some very difficult times - acting as the voice of Christ, with kindness and love. I learned much from Fr. Jim and will miss him, but rejoice that he is with the Lord he loved so much.
April 1, 2014
We miss you every day, Father! Love, Bud & Vita
March 31, 2014
Dear family, friends and parishioners of Fr. Jim,
I was so sorry to learn of Fr. Jim's passing. I only knew of Fr. Jim through the Catholic radio station here in Buffalo, NY. I can still hear his gentle voice and how Jesus spoke through him. He gave great solace to many listeners during their difficult times or thoughtful advice to those at a crossroad. God apparently was ready to bring one of own home. Oh Lord, please remember all those he touched.
A Buffalo radio listener
March 30, 2014
Michael and Providencia Gilbride offer our sincere condolences and prayers for Fr. Jim and for Joe and Eileen and Danny and Elizabeth. We only wish we could have met him in this life -- Keep us in your prayers too.
March 28, 2014
Deirdre Weiler
March 27, 2014
I graduated from college with Jim and was saddened to hear of his passing. God bless you all.
Joe Petronella
March 23, 2014
To Father Jim's Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Father Jim was a great person and we enjoyed the time he spent here in Buffalo, N.Y. at Holy Angeles Church. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Devin Norman
March 23, 2014
Mr. And Mrs. Erving and family -
My deepest sympathy for Jimmy's passing. It's been many years since I've heard his name, but memories of St. Monica's School and his smiling, freckled face jumps quickly into my recall. He was a friend and classmate and always fun to be around - it seems like he was always smiling and making others around him happy. May peace be with your family.
Our Lady of Refuge Parish, Eagle Pass, Texas - August 1, 2011
Elva Macias
March 23, 2014
George adn Lou Ann McCormack
March 23, 2014
Dan, our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your family with be in our thoughts and prayers.
George and Lou Ann McCormack
March 23, 2014
Dan, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your whole family.
Maggie Zuniga Family
March 22, 2014
To Father Jim's family,
We are saddened by the passing of Father Jim. In the short time he was in Port Isabel, he brought the community together and helped us to renew our faith by encouraging us to pray more. He made a difference in so many lives. Now he has been chosen to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Our community was blessed to have been guided by Father Jim. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
George Jepson
March 22, 2014
Sending our thoughts and prayers to The Erving Family. Tyke, Lisa, Olivia and Avery Jepson
MARIA & ENRIQUE CANO
March 22, 2014
May God embrace you and receive with His love for all the work you dia for us here on this earth. Rest in peace.
Manuel Saldivar Sr.
March 21, 2014
Rest in peace Father Jim. We will always remember you. You did a wonderful job here at our church in Port Isabel, TX. My condolences to the Erving family.
March 21, 2014
Dear Joe, Eileen, Elizabeth, Dan and Families
We are sincerely sorry for the loss of Father Jim your son and brother truly a man of God. We all feel that his life was short, but oh what a powerful message he shared of Christ love for all of mankind. We are most proud to call Fr.Jim our cousin. With all our love and prays,
Billy, Anne, William Ryan and Kathy McGuire
March 21, 2014
To All the Erving Family we wish you our sincere sympathy and prayers and will be with you during these hard times in spirit and love! Special love goes out to Joe and Eileen who are always in our prayers!
Love Ron,Fran,and Kelly Frances
Lupita H. Mendoza
March 21, 2014
Fr. Diego, you will always be in our hearts and prayers. You were so caring and compassionate. We will miss you .
Russell Spinks & Family
March 21, 2014
Father Jim we will always remember you for the outgong person you were and the Mission you were put on Earth for. My children are always thinking of you and thinking of what a great Spiritual Mentor you were and how you encourage the children to be servants of the Lord. We will miss you and we will pray for you. We thank your family for sharing you with us. Until we meet again in the house built without hands we hope and pray that God has taken you home to reward you for your work you did for him.
March 21, 2014
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
maria renner
March 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Erving's family. He taught me religion at Holy Angels Academy in Buffalo, NY.
Beatriz Vasquez
March 21, 2014
Our most sincere condolences to Fr. Jim's family. May he rest in peace.
Tony And Gail Maturo
March 21, 2014
Dear Joe and Eileen,
While no words can ease your loss, we want you to know that we are grieving with you. After reading about Jimmy, we wish we had gotten to know him. All Our Love, Tony and Gail Maturo
Fernando Soto
March 21, 2014
Fr Jim, RIP. You offered your helping hand and comforting words to us in the darkest hours in our lives. Thanks for giving us hope and for your wonderful ministry on earth. You are now in the presence of Christ and his Holy Mother Mary. Love you always, Fernando and Olga Soto.
March 20, 2014
Dearest. Eileen and joe I was devastated by the news of your dear Jimmy's passing. Mike and I know your pain my dears. May The Lord be at your side and comfort you now as I'm sure he will.
I honestly don't know how we ever would have made it without his help.
We will always remember jimmy with love. Billy is so sad!
We will talk soon. Much love and blessings Conni and Mike duranceau
Kerri Flynn
March 20, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family during this difficult time. Such a young man, yet again taken to soon. Heaven has gained another beautiful Angel and Jimmy will be in great company.
Our sincerest condolences,
The Flynn Family - Pearl River,ny
We were blessed to have Father Jim travel to New York in 2012 to marry us at St. John the Baptist in Yonkers.
Carrie Ann Keane
March 20, 2014
kathleen liberatore
March 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to his family. He was an Amazing man! Liked by all in our parish at Holy Angels.
Mary Keane
March 20, 2014
Dear Irving Family and all who loved Father Jim, My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you during this unimaginable painful time. What a wonderful and loving light who inspired so many. May his light continue to shine and may he enjoy eternal peace. With Much Love and Prayers, Mary Keane
Chris DeMicco
March 20, 2014
Thank you Jimmy for the inspiration and friendship we shared in Rome, Italy as Oblate Seminarians. Thank you for your guidance when I left and throughout my marriage and raising my 3 boys. You will be greatly missed Father Jim!
Fr. John Madigan
March 20, 2014
I wish to express my prfound sympathy to Fr. Jim's Family. Fr. Jim served with distiction the people of the Diocese of Buffalo and especially my home Parish of Holy Angels. I promise him a remembrance in my Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Fr Tim Shillcox, O.Praem
March 20, 2014
I am heart-broken at Jim's passing,
and also so inspired by him and proud of him and in debt to him.
And full of assurance that God has formed him - not only as a disciple, religious, son, brother, uncle and priest, but as a saint!
From Wisconsin my love and prayers -
for him and for you all who love him most!
Fr. Tim
Camille/Lee DeMaria
March 20, 2014
Our sincere condolences and prayers to Father Jim's family. He was such a wonderful man, he will be deeply missed.
Sergio/Lily Garcia
March 20, 2014
Our most sincere condolences to Father Jim's family. He was a very special person. May he Rest In Peace.
Malali Pena
March 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family of Fr. Jim. He was a very special priest and touched so many lives, young and old alike. His memory will live in our hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pedro & Linda Aldaco
March 20, 2014
We are a couple from Matamoros, Mexico but live at the Island most of the time, we knew him since the day he arrived until the day he left. We liked him so much and are sad we wont see him anymore. Father Jim be with God. The Aldaco Family
September 22, 2013 - Rally for Life -McAllen, Texas
Lorenzo and Christina Fernandez Gonzalez Gomez
March 20, 2014
Barbara Medina
March 19, 2014
He was a Rev. at our church in Port Isabel, Texas. He did such a beautiful and memorable mass for my daughter's baptism and my grandmother's burial mass.
My condolences go out to Jim's family.
Father James, you're in my thoughts and in my heart.
Tom Benson
March 19, 2014
Father Irving was a one of a kind man! Didn't know of his troubles till today. He married my wife and I in 2010. What an amazing guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.....
Joan Harrington O'Hare
March 19, 2014
Jim was a classmate and friend from St. Anselm. It was difficult, yet important to me, to track the postings from Liz over the last few months. We should all take solace in knowing he is in Heaven and no longer in pain. Thinking of all his family and friends during this trying time.
Maria L Becerra
March 19, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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