Rev. James J. Manning

Manning, Rev. James J. age 76, of Beavercreek, OH, went to be home with the Lord on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Fr. Jim was born on February 19, 1948 to the late James and Marie Manning in Dayton, OH. He is survived by his two brothers, Daniel (Brenda) and John (Pat) Manning; sister, Rita (George) Eichenauer; 10 nieces and nephews; 13 and ½ grand nieces and nephews; and countless friends and family he has impacted over his lifetime.

Fr. Jim went to St. Helen grade school and graduated from Carroll High School in 1966. He graduated from St. Gregory Seminary in 1970 and attended St Mary’s seminary from 1971 through 1975. Fr. Jim was ordained a priest on May 31, 1975 and said his first mass on June 1, 1975. He was assigned to St. Bernard Parish in Taylor Creek, St. Aloysius and St. James Parishes in Cincinnati from 1975 through 1978, and also taught at Lasalle High School from 1975 through 1988, where he was also the Freshman Football Coach. He attended Xavier University, where he received his Master’s Degrees in Education, Theology, and Philosophy. In 1988, he was assigned to St. Henry Parish in Dayton as an Associate Pastor, along with his good friend, Fr. Stretch. In 1991, Fr. Jim became pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering, a role he continued until 2006. He was also appointed the President of Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering in 2005. He served in that role until the Archdiocese of Cincinnati made him the pastor of St. Mary Church in Franklin, Ohio. During that assignment, discussions were held with the Archdiocese about relocating that church to Springboro, Ohio. On August 14, 2016, a new church was dedicated in Springboro, Ohio now called St. Mary of the Assumption Church. In addition to that assignment, he was named as pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Waynesville, Ohio. Under the Beacons of Light Program, he was made a Parochial Vicar at the newly formed St. John Paul II Parish Family, which consisted of the parishes of St. Mary of The Assumption, Our Lady of Good Hope, and St. Henry Parishes, in which he proudly served until his death. In 2023, he was inducted into the Carroll High School Hall of Fame. He also was inducted into the Lasalle High School Hall of Fame. Fr. Jim will be remembered and greatly missed by all those whom he touched throughout his lifetime of ministry. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to St. John Paul II Parish Family at St. John Paul II – Parish Family (givejp.org). Vigil Prayers for the Reception of the Body will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Parish, 9579 Yankee St, Springboro, OH 45066. The family will greet friends following the Vigil Service until 8:00pm at the Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Saturday, September 28, at 10:00am, also at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Parish. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.