In Memoriam
We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God.
Fr. Nicholas F. Pope, SJ
June 8, 1943 – October 20, 2025
“A teacher at heart, Nick held himself and others to high standards. He was a many-layered individual who was creative, detailed, crafty and well-read. His discipline and perseverance were tapped by his service on several province and assistancy projects. His ability and willingness to nurture and sustain relationships with office staff and employees were surprising and inspiring. Nick was a caring and devoted brother, uncle and great-uncle as well.”
English teacher at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha and English professor at Marquette University (MU) in Milwaukee; administrative assistant at JESCOM, the International Jesuit Center for Social Communication; administrative assistant at the Jesuit Seminary Guild in Milwaukee; assistant in the MU computer center, where he honed his skills with this “relatively new” technology; administrative assistant in the Wisconsin Province Office; business manager for the Institute of Jesuit Sources in Saint Louis; regional secretary to the American assistant to Father General at the Curia Rome; pastoral minister at MU and St. Camillus Jesuit Community.
Fr. James W. Schulz, SJ
February 14, 1945 – October 20, 2025
“Jim’s commitment to the poor, the outcast, the undocumented and to immigrants was grounded in his deep love of Jesus and the Society of Jesus. His actions promoting peace and justice helped countless people to feel cared for and loved by God.”
Psychology, history and English teacher at Colegio del Jose in Arequipa, Peru; advocate for immigrants and undocumented people at the Eighth Day Center for Justice in Chicago; associate pastor at Holy Family Church in Chicago; associate director of the National Office of Jesuit Social Ministries for the Jesuit Conference in Washington D.C.; associate editor at America magazine; associate pastor of St. Mary’s Parish and pastor of St. Procopius Jesuit Parish, both in Chicago; staff member at the Heartland Center in East Chicago, Ind.; pastor of St. Margaret Mary Church in Hammond, Ind.; associate pastor of St. Turibius Parish in Chicago; pastor of Mary, Queen of Heaven Church in Cicero, Ill.; chaplain at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago; missioned to Colombiere Center.
Br. Jerome J. Pryor, SJ
December 28, 1932 – November 15, 2025
“Jerry was a gifted artist and teacher. In both the classroom and through his paintings, he encouraged others to glorify God and deepen their spiritual life. The majority of his paintings were religious or Bible-based and attempted to show the relationship between humans and the divine. Throughout his career, he presented papers on a variety of subjects including film, the humanities, Jungian archetypes and religion.”
Art instructor at the University of Detroit in Michigan and John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio; art professor at Xavier University in Cincinnati; known as an interdisciplinary artist for his interests in visual art, film, literature and music, especially opera; missioned to Colombiere Center, where he was an artist in residence and performed community service.
Fr. Gerald E. Goetz, SJ
January 29, 1942 – December 30, 2025
“Gerry loved being a priest. He had a thorough understanding of the liturgy and was filled with joy when he presided at Mass and preached. He also enjoyed being a spiritual director and retreat director. He had long-time lay friends who remained devoted to him, and he was extremely generous with his time. Jesuits and lay people alike appreciated that he helped them without question or delay.”
Physics and chemistry teacher, and principal, at Marquette University High School (MUHS) in Milwaukee; superior of the MUHS Jesuit Community; assistant director and director of the Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Elmo, Minn. (aka, Demontreville); superior of the retreat house Jesuit community; minister at Marquette University Jesuit Community; missioned to St. Camillus.
To read the full obituaries of Jesuits who have gone home to God, visit us at www.jesuitsmidwest.org/In-Memoriam
IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE COVER
Saint Ignatius College Prep senior Courtney Beatty (’26) at The Narrows in Zion National Park as part of the Chicago high school’s On Holy Ground summer course.
Photo: Fernando Fonseca