Ex-Lowell priest, accused in abuse, commits suicide

Shock and disbelief, and profound sadness. That's how former parishioners reacted last night to news that Rev.

[Care Bear]

I knew Fr. Jim well while he was in greater Lowell. He was a fine man and a spirtitual leader for many of us in the greater Lowell EMS community. I am saddenned by his passing and wish him eternal peace.

[Denise Marcouillier]

Father Jim was a close personal friend. He was very instrumental in getting my family through some hard times. I was a lifelong parishioner at St. Jean the Baptiste where I first met him. When he became chaplain at Lowell General I worked in his office part time for almost 10 years. He was a very compassionate man and was always there for anyone who needed him. I personally do not believe the accusation of abuse. That is not what he was about. I had 3 young daughters at the time and would have trusted him being around them at any time. I am devastated by his loss. He has been special to me and I will never forget all he did for me and my family. He will forever hold a piece of my heart.

[Wondering]

Sounds like he shot himself because he was about to be found out. Why else would he do it?

[Chauncey]

Fr. Jim was one of the best men I have ever known. He had so much compassion and understanding and tolerance for everyone. He helped me through some very difficult times and kept me focused and grounded like no one else ever could. He helped me, and the department, keep things together in 1996 after we lost four members. He truly was a great spiritual leader. He is always, and will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest peacefully my friend, you're home.

[sean normandin]

you will be deeply missed farther jim. you did many great things for my family.

[Have some faith]

Father Jim officiated at my wedding and baptized all of my children. I'm horrified at all of this, but I have trouble believing that a man like him could have committed such an act. Of course, I guess now we'll never know. It's between him and God.

[Lowell]

If he had nothing to hide why not stick around and stand up for himself - very interesting don't you think.

[DLJ]

I am stunned and filled with sorrow by Fr. Jim's death. He was a friend and colleague while he was the chaplain at Lowell General. He was compassionate, caring and a great support to those of us who worked with him. He was there for our patients and he was there for my family through sickness and loss. He was, in all things, a good man.

[Sad]

Although I did not personally know Fr. Jim I have heard what a wonderful person he was how very sad that he ended his life in such a horrific way.

[Roland_Deschain]

A 'wonderful' Catholic priest who decided to commit suicide rather than take responsibility and face up to a charge of child abuse.

What a marvellous example to us all, a true ambassador for the Catholic 'faith' and a shining example of godliness.

[Disbelief]

Fr. Jim spent many years at Ste Jeanne d'Arc Parish, were he was extremely well liked. At a time when my husband and I needed him, he made sure he was ther for us. I never knew him to not be compassionate and caring to everyone.
Whenever there was a tragic car accident, I would always see him there comforting the wounded while they waited to be extracted from their vehicles.
He will be sadly missed, and I will never believe that he did anything inappropriate with anyone. He just was not that kind of person.

Rest in peace Fr. Jim!

[mary west palm beach]

WHAT A SHAME THIS PRIEST CHOSE TO KILL HIMSELF.
HE SHOULD HAVE LIVED TO PROVE HE WAS INNOCENT OF THESE CHARGES OR MAYBE GUILTY.
BEING A PRIEST HE KNEW SUCICIDE WAS WRONG.
I FOR ONE AM SORRY HE CHOSE TO KILL HIMSELF INSTEAD OF FACEING THE CHARGES. WHY WOULD HE CHOOSE SUICIDE? EVEN IF HE WERE GUILTY HE KNEW SUICIDE WAS NOT A GOOD OPTION.

[Disbelief]

Roland_Deschain wrote:

A 'wonderful' Catholic priest who decided to commit suicide rather than take responsibility and face up to a charge of child abuse.
What a marvellous example to us all, a true ambassador for the Catholic 'faith' and a shining example of godliness.

With everything that has gone on in the churches with the priests that have actually done something wrong, there have way too many copy cats destroying what good priests we have left.

Not that I agree with what happened, but I can understand him not wanting to put his family through wrongful allegations.

[mary west palm beach]

EVERY ONE THOUGHT MY EX HUSBAND WAS MR.WONDERFUL!
I FOUND HIM OUT AND I MADE SURE HE WAS CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE!
MANY PEOPLE DIDN'T BELIEVE HE DID ANYTHING WRONG! I NEVER CARED WHAT THEY THOUGHT.
I BELIEVED THE CHILDREN AND THERE WERE MANY!
SO TO YOU PEOPLE THAT DON'T BELIEVE HE DID ANY THING WRONG. WHY THEN DID HE CHOOSE TO KILL HIMSELF INSTEAD OF FACING THESE CHARGES AND PROVING HIM SELF INNOCENT?

[Roland_Deschain]

Disbelief wrote:

<quoted text>
...Not that I agree with what happened, but I can understand him not wanting to put his family through wrongful allegations.

How does commiting suicide protect his family? It just reinforces his guilt.

Every action we take has consequences. Responsible adults should realise this, live accordingly and take responsibility for what they do. This guy was in a position of trust, he should have behaved accordingly.

[Wondering]

mary west palm beach wrote:

EVERY ONE THOUGHT MY EX HUSBAND WAS MR.WONDERFUL!
I FOUND HIM OUT AND I MADE SURE HE WAS CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE!
MANY PEOPLE DIDN'T BELIEVE HE DID ANYTHING WRONG! I NEVER CARED WHAT THEY THOUGHT.
I BELIEVED THE CHILDREN AND THERE WERE MANY!
SO TO YOU PEOPLE THAT DON'T BELIEVE HE DID ANY THING WRONG. WHY THEN DID HE CHOOSE TO KILL HIMSELF INSTEAD OF FACING THESE CHARGES AND PROVING HIM SELF INNOCENT?

I can understand that many people had good experiences with this guy and some fond memories. That said, if he did what he is accused of he's no better than the child molester that got fired from McDonald's. Killing himself sealed the gates of heaven to him. Thou shalt not kill. End of story. He's not home and he's not resting in peace.

[ML Sweet MD]

I worked closely with Father Jim at Lowell General Hospital. He was my friend and confidant. He was loved and respected by everyone at LGH. It is with profound sadness that I contemplate the death of a most humane and compassionate soul.

[Wondering]

ML Sweet MD wrote:

I worked closely with Father Jim at Lowell General Hospital. He was my friend and confidant. He was loved and respected by everyone at LGH. It is with profound sadness that I contemplate the death of a most humane and compassionate soul.

So why did he assault an under aged girl? He had a position of trust like so many other disgusting priests. Any good this man did is in the toilet now. To molest a child is the worst of heinous acts and for a man placed in a position of trust and healing it is unforgivable. Sorry for those who were deceived by this sicko.

[scaught]

I wish I believed in a hell because I would like to think that this dude is there.

[Lowell]

Probably no evidence of murder?