James J. Brady

obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

James J.
Brady

Died peacefully on August 14th, 2018 at the age of 91 years. Son of the late James & Florence (Toussaint) Brady born July 18, 1927. Preceded in death by his sisters Jean Beyer-Dote, Merilynn Gill, Virginia Kausalik and Marjorie Donley.

Father Brady began his priestly formation at Saint Francis Minor Seminary in 1945, and completed his studies at Saint Francis de Sales Major Seminary during the period of 1947-1953. Father Brady was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1953 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee, by Most Reverend Roman R. Atkielski.

Father Brady was appointed on June 12, 1953 to serve as assistant at St. Jude Parish, Wauwatosa, and on July 12, 1962, appointed to serve as assistant at Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Francis. Father Brady was appointed administrator for St. Patrick Parish, Racine, on July 29, 1969, and on December 2, 1975, was appointed pastor for Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, West Allis. Five years later, on January 8, 1980, he was appointed rector for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. On January 1, 1989, Father Brady was appointed pastor for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee, while retaining the title of rector. He was appointed on August 20, 1991 to serve as an associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, Hales Corners. Father retired from active ministry on June 30, 1997.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 20th, at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community (9520 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners) from 9:30am until 11:15am with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30am. Interment at St. James Cemetery (Kenosha) on Tuesday, August 21. Please gather at the cemetery at 11am.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made out to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Priest Pension Fund.

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Past Comments

cam beck

Fr. Brady is my uncle, he was Uncle Jim to us, then Fr. Jim after he was ordained. We have a large family and everyone loved and respected him as a priest, but loved and respected him as a person more. He was caring and kind, and always seemed to know how to gently guide us in our faith. He would know when we were struggling and was always there for us, no matter how busy he was. And he was busy!
When holidays came we all fought to have him to our house, as there were many of us but only one of him. He was funny and witty and just fun to be around. And he had such a love for children. If there was a baby in the house, you could always find him/her in Fr. Jim’s arms. He was priestly, he was fatherly, he was our Fr. Jim, in his priest garb or shorts and sandals. We loved him so much.
Fr. James Brady was a true servant of our Lord, and I sincerely believe there are many souls in heaven today because of him. Thank you for sharing him with us Heavenly Father, and please hold him close – he lived his life to be where he is now, wrapped in Your loving arms.

Cam Beck

Mary Mixon

How fortunate we all are to be members of Fr. Brady’s family. To us, he was Fr. Jim. He was our very own “link to the Lord.” He performed the marriages in our family; he baptized our children; he presided over family funerals. How wonderful it was to have him deliver the eulogies at family members’ funerals with personal stories and memories and as much love and grief as we felt in the pews. How difficult to do while grieving himself. It was equally wonderful to have him deliver the blessings at family weddings with his love and connection and prayers for the happiness of the couple involved. He lead us in prayer before holiday and family meals and reminded us to be grateful for our bounty. He thanked God for all of us and today we thank God for him.

God Bless You, Fr. Jim. Be at peace with your (and our) loved ones who have gone before.

Nancy and Paul Holweck

Fr. Brady married us 51 years ago at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
May this kind, caring and faith filled priest share in his Heavenly Father’s eternal reward.
A job well done Fr. Brady, faithful servant.
We thank you for blessing our love so many years ago. :kissing_heart::two_hearts:
Nancy and Paul Holweck

Rose Mary Walecki

Father Brady was our inspiration in having St Mary Hales Corners join HOSEA, (Hope Offered Through Shared Ecumenical Action), a collaborative effort between churches located from Cudahy all the way west to New Berlin. His spiritual direction guided and formed us in our thinking and our actions while his charm kept us involved. What better way to meet and befriend other likeminded souls in the pursuit of a more compassionate and just society. Father Brady was a faithful and humble servant who reminded US to pray for him. God bless you, Father Brady, as you are now at peace in the Lord.

Rose Mary Walecki

Gloria Bins RN

I agree with Mary K Matestic’s wonderful words about Father Brady.
He was our pastor at St.Patrick Racine when Richard and I married 44 years ago.
Our dear friend Abbott Jerome G; Tremel of the Norbertines came from Green Bay to preside.
The rehearsal was delayed a few minutes while we searched out our two priests who were found sharing a glass or wine and a warm and welcoming conversation on the porch of the rectory.
We were pleased to have a small part in this new friendship/

Gloria and Richard Bins

Mary K. Matestic

Fr. Brady was a holy man. In the last parish in which he served, I would often find him in the Eucharistic chapel late into the night with his eyes closed in silent prayer. He had great wisdom that came from his life experiences. He had a passion for the poor and the marginal spending much of his ministry involved in Community Based organizing. Soft spoken, and full of an intense sense of justice (and injustice), Fr. Brady was never afraid to speak up for those who had no voice.

I shall remember him as a mentor and friend.
Let your light continue to shine, Fr. Brady, beyond this life and into the next!

MKM