By Jim Mostrom
Contributing writer
On Sunday, June 4, the Tri-parishes of St. Matthew’s (East Syracuse), St. Mary’s (Minoa) and St. Francis (Bridgeport) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Bridgeport native and Franciscan priest Friar James Fukes, OFM Conv., with a luncheon at the St. Mary’s parish center.
Friar Jim, as he likes to be called, was born into a large family in Utica and moved to Bridgeport at the age of 12. He attended St. Mary’s Church in Minoa. After high school and two years of community college, he worked for several years at GE in electronics before entering Franciscan formation in 1987. He credits Fr. Dominic McGee of St. Mary’s and other Franciscans in the community for influencing his decision to enter the priesthood. He professed his vows in 1990 and was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse by Bishop James N. Moynihan on June 6, 1998.
Since his ordination, he has served as a chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, and pastor of parishes in Binghamton; Siler City, N.C.; Kingston, Ontario, Canada; and most recently in Shamokin, Pa.
Friar Jim said in correspondence, “The time has gone by so quickly during the past 25 years and I’ve had to adapt to multiple changes between the different parish assignments and surrounding society. But I’ve always tried to maintain my Franciscan spirituality by living a life of service and humility.”
The luncheon was organized by the Hope Ministry of the Tri-parishes headed by Janice Procopio, Kathy Lupia and Casey Koehle, with help from Friar Jim’s sister, Linda Dent of Kirkville. Along with cold cuts, hot ziti, meatballs, scalloped potatoes and various salads and desserts, the reception also featured a cake celebrating Friar Jim’s jubilee.
Friar Jim was joined by several family members and some of his fellow friars as well as members of the Tri-parishes. His brother Gary Fukes, a diocesan priest serving as a chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa, was present to concelebrate the 11 a.m. Mass that Sunday at St. Mary’s. Fr. Gary was celebrating 35 years of his priesthood.
Friar Jim has since returned to his parish of Mother Cabrini Church in Shamokin, Pa., after a short visit with family in the area.
