Father James Gerard Dukowski was born in Melville, SK to parents Laudeslaus Joseph of Jasa, Austria and and Kathryn Acaster of Regina, SK. Fr. Jim was the youngest of 4 children. He was predeceased by brothers Jack (Edith) and Hubert (Florence) and sister Joan (Eber) Stackkpole. He is survived by several nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces.
Fr. Jim’s Education: Vancouver College; St. Patrick’s College, Ottawa (BA); Holy Rosary Scholasticate; Theology studies in Chile. He was Ordained to the Priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on September 30, 1967 at St. Peter’s Parish in New Westminster, BC.
Following ordination, he was sent to the Peru Mission as the Vice-Provincial of the St. Peter’s mission. He inaugurated a new Central House in Lima, promoting Peruvian vocations and sponsoring the medical mission in the Amazon. He returned to Canada for a time, then the US (diocese of Brownsville Texas) and Mexico, often in educational or formation projects of his creation. In 2011, he returned to Peru and served actively in Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lima, where he also celebrated his 50th Anniversary of Ordination in 2017. He was very much involved with the Engaged Encounter program and served on an International Committee.
In 2017, after suffering a stroke in Peru, which severely affected his vision, Fr. Jim returned to Canada retiring at Oblate House, The Crescent. He persevered with treatments recovering his vision and health. Fr. Jim served in replacement ministry in Vancouver. He was a member of the BC District Council and was Oblate Animator to the BC District Associates until the time of his death.
Fr. Jim was subsequently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He loved his family dearly and kept in touch with them, in Canada and the US. His relatives particularly appreciated a family gathering he hosted at Tecumseh House before moving to Vancouver Hospice.
Fr. Jim was humorous, creative, and a social catalyst. He enjoyed teaching and had many interests including swimming, hiking, camping and food. He enjoyed the special occasions when he could decorate the house – picking autumn leaves for Thanksgiving, carving the Halloween pumpkin and Christmas decorating.
Fr. Jim passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 at age 81. He will be fondly remembered by his Oblate brothers, relative and friends. The Oblates wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Christopher Ryan, the staff at Oblate House, Vancouver Coastal Health and Vancouver Hospice Society.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Parish (2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver) on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 10:00 am.
Viewing will be held at 9:30am. Burial at the Oblate of Mary Immaculate Cemetery in Mission, BC.