Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Bozung, James Rev Fr. February 1, 2024
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net June 10, 2024, 3:22 pm

Grand Rapids Press-Sunday February 4, 2024

     Excerpts from Grand Rapids Obituary

            REV.FR.JAMES BOZUNG

Died Thursday February 1, 2024-age 89 went to the house of the Lord, whom he 
     served 62 years of his live as a devoted priest.
Born September 28, 1934 in Hubbardston, MI to Henry & Magdalena (Domelle)Bozung.
One of nine children, baptized at St.John the Baptist Parish & attended grade 
school there for eight years, taught by the Dominican Sisters.
In 1949 he entered St.Joseph Seminary.1955-1957, he attended Sacred Heart 
Seminary in Detroit, majoring in Philosophy. Then studied theology, Scripture, 
Cannon law & Elocution at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas from 1958-
1961, where he grew to love the Hispanic people & culture.
June 1961, ordained a priest forever at St.Andrew's Cathedral n grand Rapids, MI 
by Bishop Allen James Babcock.
Father Jim loved languages & was conversant in many, but was fluent in Latin & 
Spanish.
He Served in many places, in early years throughout the Diocese of Grand Rapids, 
including,St.Francis de Sales in Holland Our Lady of Grace in Muskegon; Sacred 
Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids; Sacred Heart Parish in Muskegon Heights;  & 
St.Margaret Mary in Edmore with Missions St.Francis, Lakeview & St.Bernadette in 
Stanton. 
In 1972-1976 he served on the faculty of St.Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, 
with care of the Spanish-speaking faithful of St.Joseph the Worker Parish on 
Rumsey St.SW.
He became Pastor of St.Joseph's in 1976 & was there until 1985. He served as 
associate pastor at St.James Church for one year, before becoming pastor of 
st.Edwards Parish in Lake Odessa in 1993, he became pastor of Assumption of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Belmont & remained there until retiring in 2001.
In retirement, he continued to serve in many ways, assisting at St.Mary's in 
Spring Lake & St.Isidore in Grand Rapids.
For the last five years he has resided with Hohn & Sylvia Oleck,& special thanks 
to Christine Heeringa & Felipa Schwartz & to Grand Brook & Interim Hospice staff 
for all of the love, care compassion & kindness shown to Father.
Special thanks to Monsignor Edward Hanklewicz & Diane Schmidt at St.Isidore for
the many ways they helped Father to continue his priestly ministry in his Senior 
years.
The stone mason skills he learned from his father early in life, he used to 
build shrines & gardens at many of the parishes he served.
Preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Alvin (Beatrice)Bozung, Raymond 
(Judy) Bozung, Eugene Bozung, Gerald Bozung, & sisters Mildred Bozung, Margaret 
Bozung & Bernice (Joseph) Caudy.
Survived by his sisters, Joan Bozung & Jeanette (Harry) Sanborn, many loving 
nieces & nephews & John & Sylvia Oleck & their children & Grandchildren.
Father Bozung will lie in state at St.Isidore the Laborer Parish, 628 Diamond 
Ave.NE, from 4-8 PM,Thursday, February 8, 2024, with Rosary rayed at 7:30 PM.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m Friday, Feb.8, 2024 at St.Isidore, 
with Bishop David Walkowiak presiding.
Interment will be Friday Feb.9, at 3:30 pm at St.John he Baptist Catholic 
Church, Hubbardston, MI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Father's memory to HELP 
Pregnancy Aid,Grand Rapids Right to Life, Holy Family Radio, and /or St.Isidore 
Parish.
 



Additional Comments:
St.John The Baptist Cem.,
Hubbardston, Mich.

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