Reverend James J. Manning passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. Born on February 19, 1948, in Dayton, he was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in Dayton. He completed his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary and studied Philosophy and Theology at Mount St. Mary Seminary of the West in Cincinnati. He was ordained on May 31, 1975, by Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati.

Father Manning's first assignment began on June 20, 1975, as an associate at St. Bernard Parish in Taylor Creek and a teacher at La Salle High School in Cincinnati. On November 20, 1978, he was appointed associate at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish in Bridgetown while continuing to teach at La Salle High School. On July 18, 1983, he became a resident associate at St. James Parish in White Oak and continued his teaching role.

On July 5, 1988, Father Manning was appointed associate of St. Henry Parish in Dayton. He became pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering on July 8, 1991. In February 1992, he joined the College of Consultors and was reappointed for another five-year term in November 1995.

Father Manning served as pastor of St. Albert the Great for a six-year term starting on July 9, 1997. In October 2005 through spring 2006, he was President of Alter High School in Dayton and later served as parochial vicar of St. Henry Parish while continuing his presidency at Archbishop Alter High School from July 1, 2006.

On January 26, 2007, Father Manning became temporary parochial administrator of St. Mary Parish in Franklin while still serving as President of Archbishop Alter High School until his appointment as pastor on July 1 that year for six years.

He continued his role as President of Archbishop Alter High School until retiring from the position in July 2016 but remained active within various parishes including appointments to St. Augustine Parish and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish starting from July 1, 2017.

His final appointment came on July 1, 2022 when he became parochial vicar of the NE9 Family of Parishes which includes Our Lady of Good Hope (Miamisburg), St. Henry (Dayton), and St. Mary of the Assumption (Springboro).

The Reception of the Body will be held on Friday, September 27 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church with Reverend Brian W. Phelps officiating both as celebrant and homilist during visitation hours until evening.

The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday morning with Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr as celebrant and Reverend Martin E Fox delivering the homily followed by burial services officiated by Reverend Brian W Phelps at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Associates are asked to offer one Mass for Father Manning's repose soonest possible along with two additional Masses when convenient.

May God welcome Father Manning into His glory; may he rest in peace.

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