Fr. James A. Ogurchock

Reverend Father James Albert Ogurchock died on July 7, 2018, while in residence at the Villas at Saint Therese. The son of James and Anna (Ziegler) Ogurchock he was born on October 2, 1932 in Akron, Ohio,  and was baptized on October 16, 1932, at Immaculate Conception Church (Akron) where he also attended elementary school, graduating in 1946, then attending Saint Mary High School (Akron)  graduating in 1950. His seminary formation for the priesthood began at the former Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (Columbus), originally for the Glenmary Home Missioners, but later for the priesthood for service for the Diocese of Columbus, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954, and continuing with his theological studies at Mount Saint Mary’s of the West Seminary (Cincinnati), graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1958, by Bishop Clarence G. Issenmann at Saint Joseph Cathedral (Columbus). During his 60 years of priestly ministry and service to Christ, His Church and His people, Father Ogurchock served in the following parishes: Saint Nicholas (Zanesville); Saint Leo (Columbus); Our Lady of Lourdes (Marysville); Holy Spirit (Columbus); and Saint Mary Magdalene (Columbus). A major advocate and   supporter of Catholic education Father Ogurchock served as an Instructor at Bishop Hartley High School (Columbus); Bishop Ready High School (Columbus); Principal at Bishop Rosecrans High School (Zanesville); Assistant Superintendent of Diocesan Catholic Schools and also the Diocesan Vicar for Religious. Father Ogurchock served as Chaplain of Mount Carmel—East Hospital from 1981 until his retirement 2008. Following his retirement he assisted at a number of parishes, primarily at Saint Matthew the Apostle Parish (Gahanna) and Saint Catharine of Siena Parish (Columbus). In addition to his parents, Father Ogurchock is preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Father John J. Ogurchock, M.M.; and his two sisters – members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph – Sister Mary Catherine, CSJ, and Sister Mary Joanna, CSJ. Special thanks to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and staff at the Villas at Saint Therese for the care they provided to Father Ogurchock. Calling hours for Father Ogurchock will be on Wednesday, July 11, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., concluding with a Rosary at 7 p.m., Saint Matthew the Apostle Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, www.stmatthew.net. Visitation will resume at the Church on Thursday, July 12 at 10 a.m., continuing until just prior to the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Bishop Frederick F. Campbell will celebrate the Mass and deliver the homily, retired Bishop James A. Griffin will concelebrate along with priests of the Diocese of Columbus. Father will be buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery (Lockbourne) alongside his family members.  In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute in Father’s memory to the Father James A. and Father John J. Ogurchock Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Catholic Foundation, 257 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio,43215. 

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