The Passing of a Great Priest and Friend: Fr. James (Jim) Manning

In October 2018, one of my University of Dayton teachers, Dr. Gloria Dodd, connected me with Fr. James Manning, the then Pastor of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Springboro, Ohio. Fr. Jim became not just a mentor to me but a great priest friend with a kind and generous heart.

One of the reasons for the success of KumboKids and Community is Fr. Jim and his generous Parishioners. In addition to helping me, he encouraged his parishioners to reach out to me. Fr. Jim had the heart of God.

I became downcast when, in 2023, coming from Cameroon for a visit to the USA, I learned that Fr. Jim was battling with cancer. On Thursday, July 25, 2024, I met Fr. Jim in his deteriorating condition. Tears dropped from my eyes, but Fr. Jim encouraged me to stay strong. In his condition, he still gave me a donation.

It was heartbreaking to learn that Fr. Jim passed into glory on Sunday, September 22, 2024, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. Yes, it was providential that he had to go on a Sunday, for that was when he mostly celebrated the Liturgy of the Holy Mass with love and devotion. He demonstrated his love for God and of his neighbor with no reservation.

Fr. Jim, with a heavy heart, I say adieu-fare thee well, Fr. Jim. May the heavenly hosts receive you in the bosom of Abraham and lead you to your eternal home. May you now enjoy the heavenly liturgy which he gladly celebrated on earth.

The family and friends of Fr. Jim and all those Fr. Jim ministered to, especially the parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, kindly accept my condolences. May the words of Christ console us, “In my Father’s house, there are many rooms...” (Jn. 14:1-3) There is a room for Fr. Jim in heaven. He let the door open to everyone; may heaven’s door be open to him.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in perfect peace – Amen.

- Fr. Emmanuel Fale Lon (SD)