It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James (Jim) Wolff, Father Jim to many, on January 12, 2017, at the fine age of 87 years.  Jim was born on the family farm in Liberty, Saskatchewan, the third of six children of Andrew and Lewine, parents with “very good genes” he would say. He will be remembered with much love by his siblings, Mary, Bernard (Doreen), Lewine, and Joan, and welcomed by Rose, his sister, who was recently deceased, and four brothers-in-law and a nephew, also deceased. Eleven nieces and nephews and their families will greatly miss their Uncle Jim and forever have him in their hearts.  After all, he married so many of us, welcomed our little ones, shepherded our loved ones in their departures, and bore witness to so many of our life passages.
While Jim’s roots were in prairie farming, his calling at the age of 18 was to the priesthood, and he was ordained in the Diocese of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1954.  Father Jim served as chaplain for eight years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, providing spiritual support to the service men and women, and proudly, for a small moment “flying” the fighter jet on his own.  Learning and educating were a large part of Father Jim’s life, sharing his wisdom and insight early on as a high school teacher and vice principal, and Director of Religious Education in the Diocese. His personal life of learning earned him degrees in Education and Philosophy, and later a Master’s Degree in Religious Education, and this love of knowledge flourished throughout his life.  
These stepping stones took Father Jim across the border to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he immersed himself in the community through his devotion as a chaplain in multiple settings and as a volunteer in many roles.  Father Jim authored a commentary on the Gospel of John in his book, “As I Have Loved You”, and nurtured his passion for healing the human spirit through his training in pastoral counseling. In 1980, Father Jim nestled into his forever home of Santa Fe, establishing his counseling practice and providing extensive teaching in scripture, dreams and psychology.  He provided the inspiration and leadership for the C.J. Jung Psychology and Spirituality Conferences in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, which have evolved over 30 years, engaging hundreds of people in spiritual and psychological reflection of their lives.
Jim’s life was fulfilled by his spiritual love and caring for others, and he also shared a special love with his Bernese Mountain dogs, first Lucina and then Milagra for many happy years. He stayed fit to keep up with the dogs through his passion for skiing, a pastime he maintained in regular outings to Taos Ski Valley with his friend Bill for many years.  Jim was totally content to spend his last years in view of these beautiful mountains from his home in the caring environment of Pacifica Rosemont Santa Fe.  Father Jim’s heart and spiritual life have been spent with the Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community for the past 25 years, his longtime dear friends Father Earl and Monsignor Jerome, and the parishioners who have shown immeasurable love and devotion to their beloved Father Jim.
While we may all say that Jim is now at peace, truly he has been at peace for all of his life.  To be greeted by Jim with his warm smile and open arms was to be embraced in tranquil comfort.  Never to be forgotten was his engaging, ever-present humor.  Father Jim’s love of God was deeply manifest in his gentle spirit and love of mankind. He lived the teaching of John 15:12, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you”. And to that we can hear him declare in parting, “A-men and A-women”.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday January 19, 2017 at 7pm at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church located at 11 College Ave., Santa Fe, NM. Rosary to be held 10am Friday, January 20th 2017 followed by the Funeral Mass at 1030.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Elizabeth Shelter or Pastoral Counseling Center of Santa Fe.

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