James C. Kudilil

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that our beloved uncle, Father James Kudilil (85) has just passed away today (7-9-2021) at 8:40pm San Francisco, CA.

Fr. James Kudilil was born in the town of Kallara (at Puthenpali parish) in Kerala, India.

After his high school education, he joined the Jabalpur diocese in Madhyapredesh at the age of 16.

He studied in Jabalpur (MP) for two years then continued the rest of his higher studies for his priesthood in Rome. He was ordained as a priest in Rome by Cardinal Peter Agagianiam, the prefect of the congregation of the propagation of the faith, in Vatican February 17,1962.

Father James was one of the luckiest person that had the rare honor of having private audiences with Pope Pious the XII, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI in Rome as well. Father James also worked in Italy and Germany for some time.

Assigned by the Propaganda Fide (Rome), Fr. Jim rendered priestly services at the former British Guyana for 10 years, during his time in which he helped build a church there. After that Father James came to the U.S to gain his masters degree in Psychology at St. John's University in New York. He was unable to return to Guyana due to political circumstances and then joined the U.S Navy as a chaplain. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in his post before his Honorable Discharge from the Navy. Eight years later, he joined the Diocese of Fresno and ministered in several parishes for eleven years, including the Rosamond parish from 2002 to 2007.

He has dedicated his devoted and valuable service to IKCC New York and KCS Chicago while he was studying at St. John's University.

After his long journey spreading the word of god all around the world, he moved to Tampa, Florida for his retirement. There he worked part time serving the Tampa diocese and also helped the Knanaya community during his time there.