Father James David Deegan, OMI, age 77, of Buffalo. Father Deegan served 23 years at Christ the King’s Retreat Center in Buffalo. Survived by brothers: George (Darlene) Deegan of Forest Lake, Edward (Kathleen) Deegan of Blaine, Dennis Deegan of Chisago City and Gary (Sheila) Deegan of Wyoming, MN; nephews: Jason (Melissa) Deegan, Chad (Naomi) Deegan, Chris (Jessica) Deegan and Gregory (Lindsay) Deegan; 6 great nephews and a great niece further survive. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial Friday, September 24th, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 300 1st Avenue N.W. in Buffalo. Visitation THURSDAY AT THE CHURCH 5-8 P.M. Further visitation Friday, September 24th one hour prior to Mass. Interment St. Henry’s Oblate Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois.
I have made over 60 retreats at Kings House and was saddened to learn of Fr. Jim’s death. I was privileged when Fr. Jim and Fr. Al concelebrated my husband’s funeral Mass and Fr. Jim gave the homily. The world has lost a great priest and I have lost a great friend. Many, many thousands of people who made a retreat at Kings House will morn his death. Rest in heavenly peace Fr. Jim and pray for us. Peace and Gentle Blessings to his family.
I joined Jim on the staff of the Oblate Novitiate in 1982. We had two years together and I remember him as a great priest and wonderful friend. We reconnected a few years ago when I made a retreat at Kings House. I will remember him at Mass.
Praise you Fr. Deegan for all the inspirational moments you provided at Retreats and Masses when we were at King’s House. The Lord welcomes YOU!
Father Jim helped with Masses at St Henry in Monticello many many times and we loved his homilies. I, too, attended many retreats at Kings House. He was a lovely, lovely man and we will miss him dearly. Hugs and prayers for you Father Jim.
Father was a good and holy priest-will be missed. Many thanks for his positive spirit and wonderful support for the Serrans who have made an annual Retreat at Christ the King. My Masses and Adoration for a week will be for Father Jim and his family. He is at home with Our Lord after doing good work for Him. Bob Labat
It was indeed a sad day to hear of Father Jim’s untimely death. He was truly a good man and a great priest who I considered a friend over the years. May he, as a true servant of God, rest in the peace of the Risen Lord
We so enjoyed the wonderful conferences that Fr. Jim would give on our many retreats at King’s House over the years. We were truly “In persona Christi” receiving the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick from Fr. Jim. We were also blessed with many sessions of Spiritual Direction.
Fr. James David Deegan, OMI, Pray For Us.
Debra and Wayne Waldera
I met Fr. Jim in 1982 when we both did vocation work. He was a clear example of someone called to holiness as a priest. His loving presence was a gift to all of us who knew him.
I will miss Fr. Jim the next time I am at Kings House. God bless you, Fr. Jim & may you rest in peace.
Kathy O’Brien
Father Deegan was there for me during my conversion back to Catholicism. He was so kind,understanding and full of wisdom. I enjoyed his messages during the retreats I attended. I will never forget him or his gentleness. RIP Father.
Fr. Deegan was a kind and gentle man who gave a wise and listening ear to me on my spiritual journey during many retreats at Kings House. He will be greatly missed. God bless and rest in peace.
RIP Father Jim. You will be deeply missed. My time spent with you and the retreat teams at Christ The King have had a profound impact on my life, and helped me grow in my faith and commitment to Christ. Your leadership at the Retreat Center was a true blessing from God.
So saddened by the death of my friend Jim. He was a wonderful priest and retreat master, and just a really good man. He will be deeply missed.
A true disciple of CHRIST, you will be missed, May GOD bring you to your Eternal Reward!
I attended many retreats and Father Deegan was a very gentle, kind person. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Father.
Fr Jim was a gentle spirit full of faith. He shared his faith with us all at retreats at The Kings House. We are blessed to have known him. Rest In Peace Fr. Jim. Our condolences to his family.
Chris and Steve Williams
Fr. Jim was one of the finest people we have ever known.
We are very grateful for his friendship,as well as
his leadership at King’s House.
We are praying for his soul and also praying for
comfort for his family and many friends.
Blessings,
Jim and M.A.Blake Gilson
Father Jim was my spiritual director for 9 years and taught this Protestant pastor how to really pray. He led retreats for my church staff at Church of the Open Door at Kings House for years. He introduced me to the retreats led by Father Basil Pennington where I learned Centering Prayer and I am so grateful for the gift of this prayer.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your servant and that he is now at home with you.