Charles St. James

Brother Charles St. James, a Brother of Christian Instruction, passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph Care Center, Louisville, OH early Sunday morning December 17, 2006. He was born in Burlington, VT June 29, 1932, the son of the late George and Laurette (Senesac) St. Jacques. He was a graduate of St. Anthony School and Cathedral High School, Burlington. After his freshman year at St. Michael's College, Colchester, VT, Brother Charles decided to begin his formal training as a Brother at La Mennais College, Alfred, ME. His year as a novice was spent at the Brothers' novitiate at Oka, Quebec, Canada. His final profession was in 1958. He spent 54 years in religious life.From 1955 to 1970 Br. Charles was a high school teacher at the Brothers' schools in Alfred, ME, Fall River, MA, and Detroit, MI. While in Detroit, he earned a master's degree in library science.From 1970 to 1974, Brother St. James was Associate Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Detroit while serving as vocation director for the Brothers until 1977. At the same time he served a term as executive director for the National Conference of Religious Vocation Directors of Men with offices in Chicago. He also received a master's degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University.Brother Charles spent thirteen years in campus ministry at Loyola University, Chicago, prior to coming to Walsh University in 1992 where he continued to minister to college students by his presence, his ability to listen, and help students network with others.Brother St. James was an accomplished organist and pianist. He served as the Brothers' chapel organist. On the piano he enjoyed contributing to any song fest.A fall in September 2005 put Brother Charles in the hospital followed by weeks of rehabilitation. But this was insufficient to offset fourteen years of Parkinson's Disease and return to living on campus with the Brothers. He, nonetheless, took every opportunity to visit campus. Recently Walsh University presented Br. Charles with its Lifetime Achievement Award.Brother Charles is survived by two sisters and their husbands ; Gabrielle and Anthony Havreluk of East Fairfield, VT, and Suzanne and Edward Fisher of Treasure Island, FL as well as nine nieces and nephews, and several cousins.The funeral mass followed by the burial in the Brothers Cemetery, will take place in the Notre Dame Chapel at 10:30 AM on Wednesday December 27, 2006. Viewing in the Notre Dame Chapel will start at 9:30 AM.To leave a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.