Iron Mountain- Rev. Fr. James L. Menapace, 94, of Iron Mountain, Mich., passed away Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, Mich.
He was born September 18, 1927, in Crystal Falls, Mich., son of the late Louis and Marie (Harrington) Menapace. James grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated from Crystal Falls High School, class of 1945. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army as a Cryptographer during WWII until his honorable discharge. He worked at the Pentagon in civil service. Fr. James attended the seminary for nine years and was ordained on June 1, 1963, by Bishop Thomas L. Noa at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette. He was a priest in Marquette, Sault St. Marie, and Manistique until his retirement. Fr. James resided in Guliver, Mich. until October of 2021, when he moved to the Oscar G Johnson in Iron Mountain, Mich.
Survivors include his one brother, David Menapace, Iron Mountain, Mich.; one sister, Karen Parcels, Schaumburg, Ill.; and nieces and nephews, Rebecca Schill, Vaughn Parcels, Mark Parcels, Steve Manapace, Michelle Menapace, and Joan (Paul) Menapace.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Richard Menapace, and one sister, Shirley Hytry.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary St. Joe Catholic Church, Iron Mountain, Mich. Msgr, Jed Patrick will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls, Mich.
You may leave condolences or tributes for Fr. James’ family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Fr. James’ legacy of life.