Rev. James P. Hynes

Reverend James P. Hynes, 92, pastor emeritus of St. James Church in West Warwick, died Monday, February 6, 2017. 

Born in Providence, son of the late Thomas and Mary (Lyons) Hynes, he attended St. Mary Grammar School and LaSalle Academy, both in Providence.

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick and at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.  He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1949 in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.

After a summer assignment at Saint Bernard Parish, Wickford, Father Hynes served as assistant pastor in the following parishes: Saint Anthony, Providence (1949-54); Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence (1954-56); Saint Luke, Barrington (1956-64); Holy Trinity, Central Falls (1964); and Saint Michael, Providence (1964-71).  In June 1971, Father was appointed pastor of St. James Parish, West Warwick, and remained there until his retirement in July, 2000 as pastor emeritus.     

In addition to his parish duties, Father Hynes served as chaplain for division 11, Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Providence (1955) and of the Nina Circle of the Daughters of Isabella (1969).

Following retirement, Father Hynes continued to assist in various parishes within the Diocese.  In his later years, he lived in Coventry, and then resided at the St. John Vianney Residence in Providence.

For many of us in Fr. Jim’s family, his brother priests, his parishioners and friends, we have all lost a true disciple of Christ.  In his quiet and unassuming way, he always brought a true peacefulness and presence into all of our lives. He was a man of deep prayer and faith. We were all blessed abundantly to be a part of his earthly life. His life must be celebrated with the truest sense of joy and thanksgiving. All of our lives were enriched and enlarged because of Fr. James P. Hynes.  He and his brother Fr. Joe Hynes would often say, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” and that was for everyone and each other.  All of us can proudly and happily say about Fr. Jim, that to know him was to love him and we did.

Father Hynes is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.  He was the brother of the late Sister Mary Hynes, SHS, John, Thomas, Edward and Rev. Joseph Hynes.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 am in St. Mary Church, 538 Broadway, Providence.  A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of his soul will follow at 11:00 am in St. Mary Church.  Interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Mary’s Church and or The Assumption Food Pantry, 791 Potters Ave., Providence, RI 02907 in Father Hynes’s memory would be appreciated.  Arrangements with JAMES J. GALLOGLY & SONS, Funeral Directors.  Information and condolences please visit: www.galloglyfuneralhome.com

 Service Information