Fr. James W. Hennessy

The Reverend James W. Hennessy, age 91, a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester for 65 years, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Elizabeth’s Care Center in Wabasha, MN.

He was born on March 2, 1935, in Winona, to William and Anna (O’Dea) Hennessy, and was a graduate of Cotter High School. He studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and then completed his theology degree at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN. On May 27, 1961, Father Jim was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald. Father Jim later studied education at St. Mary’s College in Winona.

During his ministry, Fr. Jim’s assignments in the diocese included being Parochial Vicar at St. Theodore in Albert Lea, St. Joseph in Owatonna, Queen of Angels in Austin, and St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester. As Pastor, he served at St. Martin in Woodstock, St. Mary in Lake Wilson, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Easton, Mater Dolorosa in Delavan, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canton, St. Olaf in Mabel, St. Rose of Lima in Lewiston, St. Anthony of Padua in Altura, and St. Casimir in Winona. Additional assignments included instructor at Marian High School in Owatonna, Pacelli High School in Austin, and Lourdes High School in Rochester. Fr. Jim was also a member of the Presbyteral Council; chaplain for St. Mary’s College in Winona; Canon Penitentiary for the Diocese of Winona; and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On July 1, 2003, Father Jim joined the ranks of senior priests of the diocese.

Fr. Jim enjoyed every minute of his time with family. Fr Jim was proud of his Irish heritage and included Ireland in his travels. He was mischievous by nature, and being with one of his nephews or nieces was an adventure. Jim loved to be outside and took full advantage of his opportunities to be on the Mississippi River or putzing around on his little farm in Cream, WI.

Fr. Jim is survived by his brother, Stanley Hennessy; as well as his loving nieces and nephews.

Fr. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law: Richard and Barbara Hennessy; and sister-in-law: Ellen Hennessy.

Visitation will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. The Most Reverend Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester will be the principal celebrant, with the priests of the Diocese assisting as con-celebrants.

Fr. Jim will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

Fr. Jim’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at St. Elizabeth’s Care Center in Wabasha, MN, for the compassionate care that he received.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Fr. Jim’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.