Father James M. Bozung, age 89, entered into eternal life on February 1, 2024. Father Bozung was born on September 28, 1934, in Hubbardston, Michigan, the son of Henry and Magdalena (née Domelle) Bozung.

Father Bozung attended St. John the Baptist elementary school in Hubbardston; St. Joseph High School in Grand Rapids; St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids; Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit; and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas.  He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

He was assigned to the following parishes throughout his priestly ministry:

  • June 1961 – parochial vicar of St. Francis de Sales in Holland
  • July 1966 – parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace in Muskegon
  • October 1966 – parochial vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids
  • September 1967 – parochial vicar of Sacred Heart in Muskegon Heights and assistant director of the Mexican apostolate in the Muskegon area
  • July 1969 – parochial vicar of St. Margaret Mary in Edmore with Missions (St. Francis, Lakeview and St. Bernadette of Lourdes in Stanton)
  • August 1975 – pastor of St. Joseph in Grand Rapids
  • June 1985 – parochial vicar of St. James in Grand Rapids
  • July 1986 – pastor of St. Edward in Lake Odessa
  • July 1993 – pastor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belmont
  • October 2001 – granted senior priest status

Funeral arrangements for Father Bozung:

Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 9 from 10 – 11 a.m.
St. Isidore Catholic Church (628 Spring St., NE, Grand Rapids, 49503)

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m.
St. Isidore Catholic Church (628 Spring St., NE, Grand Rapids, 49503)
Bishop David Walkowiak presiding

May Father Bozung now rest in eternal peace.  Please remember him and his family in your prayers.