Reverend James E. Boyle
Reverend James E. Boyle, a devoted and beloved servant of the Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. He was 85 years old. Born in Rochester, New York, on August 6, 1940, to the late Edward and Sarah (Beagan) Boyle, Father Boyle answered God’s call to the priesthood early in life and was a member of the final class ordained by Bishop James Kearney on June 3, 1966.
For nearly six decades, Father Boyle faithfully ministered to the people of the Diocese with compassion, humility, and steadfast love. His first assignment was at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he served alongside Msgr. Leo Smith from 1966 to 1970. He then served at St. John of Rochester beginning in 1970 with Fr. Vincent Collins. In 1973, he became co-pastor with Fr. John Mulligan at St. John the Evangelist on Humboldt Street. In 1981, he was appointed Pastor of St. Mary’s Southside in Elmira, where he served until 1992, before returning to St. John of Rochester. Even after his retirement in 2007, Father Boyle’s heart for ministry remained strong, and in 2019 he began serving as Chaplain at St. Ann’s Community, continuing to bring comfort, prayer, and companionship to others.
Father Boyle was a source of strength, kindness, and hope to countless people whose lives he touched through his ministry. He had a gentle presence, a warm smile, and a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether offering a thoughtful homily, a quiet prayer, or an encouraging word at just the right moment, he reflected Christ’s love in ways both large and small.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Mary Ann Bodden and Agnes Tubbs; and his brother-in-law, David Tubbs. He is survived by his brother-in-law, William Bodden, and by his cherished nieces and nephews: Mark (Mindy) Bodden, Kevin (Angie) Bodden, Deborah Bodden, Laura Porcaro, David (Lisa) Tubbs, and Rachel (Robert) Ciottariello.
He also leaves behind many dear cousins and treasured friends, including Mary Lou Beagan, Elizabeth Beagan, Anne (Peter) Mojsej, and the family of the late Joseph McGinnity. Among those especially close to him were Mary Kay and Tom Barrett and Sister Mary Ann Binsack, whose loving presence and faithful friendship remained constant through his final days.
Father Boyle found great joy and peace at his longtime cabin “Innisfree” in Bristol, a place he lovingly cared for over many years. It was a sanctuary not only for him, but for family and friends who gathered there to share laughter, conversation, and the simple beauty of time together.
Father Boyle will be remembered with deep affection by his family, parishioners, brother priests, and friends. His life was a testament to faith in action, and his legacy lives on in the many hearts he comforted, guided, and inspired. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will take place at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport NY on Tuesday afternoon, April 28, from 2 – 4:30 pm with his Vigil Service at 4:30 pm. On Wednesday, April 29, Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 am with his funeral Mass at 11 am, with Bishop John Bonnici, presiding. The Calling Hours and Mass will be live streamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming. Interment following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Priests Plot.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John of Rochester, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450.
10 responses to “Boyle, Rev. James E.”
I served as an altar boy in the 70’s with Fr. Boyle. God bless his soul
We absolutely loved Father Boyle when he was Pastor at St. Mary’s in Elmira. He encouraged my wife and me to become actively involved in lay ministries over forty years ago, and we continue to embrace this practice as part of our commitment to stewardship. Judy and I send our most sincere condolences to Father Boyle’s family members and many friends. May he rest in the Peace of Christ.
Father Boyle
What an amazing family member to all of us! He was a part of my wedding ceremony back in July 1995 and was always there to keep family together.
May the lord take great care of you from here
Anita (Mojsej) Lang
Father Boyle is and will be in my prayers for a long time. He was my Friend . i thank God for bringing me to St. john and me the priest who brought me closer to God
i am very grateful for the many blessings i received thru
and Father is one them . I shall miss him.
I knew (Fr.) Boyle when he was in St. Andrew & St. Bernard seminaries. He was close friends of my brother Walter Corcoran and the Mulligan boys, John & Charlie. The Corcorans and the Boyles grew up in Holy Rosary Parish in Rochester. Father Jim and I would cross paths over the years and we always had a great chat. My condolences to the family. Father Boyle was a fine priest of God for many years.
Father Boyle has been a huge part of our family’s lives ever since our children were students at St. John of Rochester’s parochial school. Whether it was a baptism, or marriage ceremony, or our Son-in-law’s conversion to Catholicism, he was always there when we needed him to provide his wisdom, warmth and uplifting personality to make each event a very special occasion. The ever-present smile and laughter he brought to our family will be truly missed. We have always enjoyed his presence at holiday dinners, which will not be the same without him. May he know peace, love and joy with our father in heaven, for ever and ever. All our love, Wayne and Lisa Picone
Apr 25, 2026
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Father Boyle was a ray of sunshine. His smile lit up the room. I was 29 years old when I decided to be baptized into the Catholic religion. Father Boyle guided me along the process and made me feel welcomed. He helped me learned and made it enjoyable. Father Boyle baptized me at 30. He was always smiling! I’ll remember him most by his smile and laughter. Father Boyle was a wonderful man and a pastor.
I too was an altar boy at St. John’s on Humboldt St. in Rochester. Father Boyle was a great leader and instrumental in the joining of St. John’s & Blessed Sacrament when it became Bishop Hogan Jr. High. Last year we celebrated r 50th reunion and unfortunately he was unable to attend but fellow altar boy/St. John’s student Noel Wixsom and I were able to spend a few hours w/ him at St. Annn’s. We were bless to know him and see him one more time.
Father Boyle was a wonderful person and a very dear friend to our family. We have many cherished memories. Our condolences to his family.
Marge Taft and family, Elmira NY
Fr Boyle exemplified what it meant to be a priest…a true servant of God. With a radiant smile he ministered to all. He had a great sense of humor, as well. God bless Fr Jim Boyle.