Father James Stoyle, Priest Who Answered Late Vocation, Dies at 81

Father Stoyle was remembered as a devoted pastor, teacher, and spiritual father who combined intellectual depth, pastoral care, and a deep love for the liturgy.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:39pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a Catholic church interior, with soft pools of warm light and color creating a contemplative, spiritual atmosphere.The quiet, consistent spirituality of Father Stoyle left an indelible mark on his parishioners, who found solace and inspiration in his gentle presence.Fort Wayne Today

Father James F. Stoyle, a priest of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend who answered a late but enduring call to the priesthood after a successful career in the secular world, died on March 25 at the age of 81 as the result of an auto accident. He was known for his pastoral care, intellectual depth, and deep love for the liturgy.

Why it matters

Father Stoyle's story highlights the power of a late vocation and how an individual can find their true calling later in life. His dedication to serving the Church and his parishioners, even after a successful secular career, is an inspiration.

The details

Father Stoyle first sensed a call to the priesthood as a child, but stepped away from seminary before ordination. He then built a successful career in the secular world, teaching, working in business, and serving as a corporate executive. But the call to the priesthood never left him, and at age 42 he entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, a seminary dedicated to older vocations. He was ordained a priest at age 47 and went on to serve in several parishes, known for his pastoral care, practical leadership, and ability to draw others closer to the faith.

  • Father Stoyle was born on October 6, 1944.
  • He was ordained to the diaconate on January 12, 1991 and to the priesthood on November 16, 1991 at the age of 47.
  • He served as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kendallville from October 7, 2009 until his retirement from active ministry in 2019.
  • Father Stoyle died on March 25, 2026 at the age of 81 as the result of an auto accident.

The players

Father James F. Stoyle

A priest of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend who answered a late but enduring call to the priesthood after a successful career in the secular world.

Bishop Joseph R. Crowley

The auxiliary bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend who became a spiritual mentor to Father Stoyle and challenged him to reconsider the vocation he had once set aside.

Bishop John M. D'Arcy

The bishop who ordained Father Stoyle to the priesthood on November 16, 1991.

Jack and Tammy Rhodes

Parishioners who were blessed by Father Stoyle, who baptized their grandchildren, anointed their parents, and brought their son-in-law into the Catholic faith.

Ruth Durbin

A parishioner who described Father Stoyle as a dear friend who had a sense of humor, was a wealth of knowledge, and brought her closer to the Lord.

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What they’re saying

“Our family was blessed in many ways by Father Jim. He baptized our grandchildren. He anointed our parents. He also brought our son-in-law into the Catholic faith. He was a great inspiration, putting his faith into action in everyday life. We will forever cherish his friendship.”

— Jack and Tammy Rhodes

“Father Jim had been a very dear friend ever since he was assigned to Immaculate Conception in Kendallville. He had a sense of humor, and he was a wealth of knowledge. He made me think about how I was leading my life and brought me closer to the Lord by his faith and prayers. He gave me peace and soothed my soul.”

— Ruth Durbin

“He is the reason I am a better Catholic today. On one of our first talks, he asked me, 'What religion are you?' I responded, 'Catholic,' and he said, 'But are you?' From that point on, he really drew me into my Catholic faith and how to live it.”

— Betty Ritchie

“It was Father Jim's kind, ever-patient, and humble spirit that ultimately led me to the Faith. He spent countless hours answering my questions about Catholicism, never pressuring me to join the Church, but gently inviting me into deeper conversations about our Lord and His Church.”

— Mackenzie Ritchie

What’s next

Visitation for Father Stoyle will be held on Wednesday, April 1 from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m., at Young Family Funeral Home in Kendallville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville, followed by burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Avilla.

The takeaway

Father Stoyle's life and ministry serve as an inspiration, highlighting the power of a late vocation and how an individual can find their true calling later in life. His dedication to serving the Church and his parishioners, even after a successful secular career, is a testament to the transformative impact a priest can have through pastoral care, intellectual depth, and a deep love for the liturgy.