Monsignor James W. McLoughlin died on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Huntley, where he was a resident.
Monsignor was born on November 19, 1939, in Chicago, IL., to James J. McLoughlin and Loretta J. McCarthy. Monsignor attended Quigley High School Seminary, Chicago (1953-1957). Monsignor McLoughlin attended Loras College, Dubuque, IA (1957-61) where he received a bachelor’s degree in history. He then attended Seminary at Catholic University of America, Washington, DC (1961-65) where he received his Theological Formation. He also received a master’s degree in religious education at the Catholic University of America.
Monsignor McLoughlin was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Loras T. Lane at St. James Parish, Rockford, on May 29, 1965. Monsignor’s first assignment was in 1965 as Parochial Vicar at St. Therese of Jesus Parish, Aurora (1965-1966). In 1966 Monsignor was appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish in Elgin (1966-1969). Later that same year he was appointed Director of the Religious Education Office for the Diocese of Rockford (1969-1976). Monsignor was then appointed Pastor at St. Michael Parish in Galena (1976-1983); and was later assigned as Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Geneva (1983-1997).
A life changing experience occurred during Monsignor’s service as pastor in Geneva. Monsignor, along with two other diocesan priests; Msgr. Tom Dempsey and Msgr. Bill McDonnell, were part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when on June 14, 1985, on the return flight home from the pilgrimage, their TWA flight 847 was hijacked by terrorists. While many passengers were released in the first few days, Monsignor McLoughlin and Msgr. Dempsey were among 39 Americans, many from the Rockford Diocese, held hostage by Amal Militia in Beirut for 17 days. After being released Monsignor McLoughlin said of the ordeal, “It’s not that we can’t be angry, but to forgive is an appropriate Gospel message at this time.”
Following his Geneva pastorate, Monsignor McLoughlin was assigned Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Woodstock (1997-2007). He was also assigned Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Hartland (2001-2007). On January 24, 2003, he received the Papal Honor of Chaplain of the Holy Father giving him the title Monsignor. He was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Richmond (2007-2011) and retired there from active ministry on July 1, 2011.
Monsignor is predeceased by his parents, James and Loretta (McCarthy) McLoughlin; by his great nephew, Nicholas Lovett; and brother-in-law, Casey Persak.
Monsignor is survived by his sisters, Burian Persak, Marianne Lovett, Kathleen (Robert) Smith; and by his brothers, Dennis McLoughlin (Vanice), and John (Elizabeth) McLoughlin; and by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Thursday, May 18, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Rd. in Huntley. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 17th, from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road in Huntley and will continue on Thursday prior to mass from 10 to 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to the St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.
