In Memoriam: Jim Fennessey

JIM FENNESSEY

Remembering a Quiet, Faithful Man

There are certain people who, by their faith, friendship and leadership can make and leave a lasting impression on all those they meet. Jim Fennessey was one of those people. Jim was not one who sought the spotlight, nor boasted, nor sought accolades for his good works. But good works he did. Jim faithfully served his God and his Church. He was a Knight of Columbus, a member of Legatus and a parishioner of St. William Church in Naples, FL, St. Virgils Church in Morris Plains, NJ and Our Lady of Snows in Woodstock, VT. Jim was also passionate about the causes he believed in. One of those causes was Ave Maria School of Law. Having recognized early on the critical need for an authentically Catholic law school, Jim readily agreed to serve on its board. Jim began serving on the Board in 2010 when the law school relocated to Naples, FL and remained an active and integral part of the board until his passing in March of 2020. Jim was not just a board member, he was an untiring advocate for the law school. In fact, he was part of an advocate team consisting of him and his beloved wife, Moira. In the ten years Jim was on the board, they rarely missed a law school function. In fact, during that time they frequently were the driving force behind law school events, often hosting and paying for them on their own. Jim’s business acumen and love for his faith are deeply missed by the law school board. Those whose paths he gently touched will remember him fondly. The love and admiration Jim had for Ave Maria School of Law lives on through his wife, Moira. With each new Ave Maria Law event she organizes or attends, we will surely recall wonderful memories of Jim and will be reminded of the significant contributions he made to assure that Ave Maria Law School was successful and remained committed to its faithful founding mission. We miss you Jim. May you rest in peace.