Sr. Barbara James, age 82, of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, died on July 18, 2024, at the Motherhouse in Oldenburg. Born December 11, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she was the youngest of four children born to Arthur and Ruth (nee:Tillinghost) James. Her father was a salesman, and her mother was a housewife.
Sr. Barb attended Scecina High School, followed by Marian College, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Following college, S. Barb devoted the next 18 years to teaching in Indiana, Ohio and Montana. The next 27 years were devoted to primarily pastoral ministry, while also serving roles as a Social Director, Nurse, and five years as a Director of Religious Education.
In 2009, Sr. Barb went on Sabbatical for a year, returning to the Motherhouse in 2010 where she volunteered at Margaret Mary Hospital, St. Andrews, and Tender Mercies (Cincinnati). She also enjoyed baking and crafts.
Sr. Barb is survived by her sisters Donna (Joe) Burch and Jackie Abbett, as well as several nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Patricia James.
Prayer and visitation will be Tuesday, July 23rd, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m., all at the convent chapel, with Fr. Mike Keucher officiating. The burial will be at the Motherhouse Cemetery in Oldenburg. For those unable to attend, services will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/Ie2G9tGr0Ic?feature=share
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036 Donate Online – SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS (oldenburgfranciscans.org). For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.