James Patrick Healy

James Patrick Healy, 84, died peacefully February 7, 2018, at his home in Walla Walla.

Born and raised in Ballinlough, County Roscommon, Ireland, Seamus, as he was known in Ireland, was the eldest of five children born to Martin Healy and Catherine Moran Healy. His parents were highly respected members of the Ballinlough Parish, to which they made a valuable and much-appreciated contribution throughout their lives.

Seamus attended Carrick Primary School, Saint Nathy’s College Secondary School, and graduated from the National University of Ireland and All Hallows Seminary, where he was ordained.

He made his way to the state of Washington in 1956, where he embarked on a long and fulfilling career of pastoral ministry and teaching assignments in communities large and small throughout the Spokane Diocese.

Jim married Ellen L. Wolf in 1983 in Monroe, Washington where they made their home. In 1990 they moved to Walla Walla when Ellen was named superintendent of the Walla Walla Public Schools. Jim was a loving, engaged and supportive partner to Ellen throughout her career in educational leadership and community service.

Life in Walla Walla for Jim, which he deeply appreciated and enjoyed, was the perfect intersection of what he loved best: lasting friendships, golf at every level, the opportunity to learn about and make good wine with good friends, and a community that cared for one another. Jim and Ellen’s personal commitment to children led to an active participation in the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.

Seamus looked forward to nearly annual visits to Ireland where he relished catching up with the extended family of all ages and his many friends. He particularly enjoyed meeting with relations on his mother’s side of the family at the annual gathering of the Moran clan, now comprising some 100 members. Jim was a huge fan of the Cougars, Zags and Seahawks. He was an avid reader, a fine storyteller, great conversationalist, accomplished writer who frequently regaled family and friends with a rendition of “Danny Boy” or dozens of other Irish tunes. He was dearly loved by the Healy and Wolf families, as well as a wide circle of friends.

Seamus is survived by his wife, Ellen Wolf; sisters, Maura Joyce of Springfield, VA, and Helen Nolan of Dublin, Ireland; brothers, Martin Healy of Sheffield, England and Sean Healy of Ballinlough, Ireland; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents predeceased him.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 408 W. Alder St. Walla Walla. Immediately following will be a reception in Blanchet Hall with burial at Mountain View Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to either the Providence St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center or the Walla Walla YWCA would be welcomed and appreciated, through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.