Thursday, March 12, 2015

James E. Wilbur, RIP


Joan and Jim Wilbur
It’s with great sadness that we report that one of WEORC’s founders, Jim Wilbur (85), entered into eternal life two weeks ago. Jim was living at Bethlehem Woods in La Grange with his dear wife, Joan (nee Johnson). Jim was a long-time resident of Evanston.

Jim was ordained in  1956 for the Chicago Archdiocese. Even when he did leave active ministry, his love for the Liturgy and organization never left him. Eventually he became the editor-in-chief at JS Paluch Company. He worked with Marty Hegarty in founding WEORC in the late 1970’s and put together the first WEORC directory. He was a stalwart presence in helping many transition from clerical and religious life to careers in the secular world.

His funeral Mass was held on Saturday, February 28, at the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park. Memorials to Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University appreciated.