Reverend James Murray Bleackley, O.M.I.
passed away at the age of 77 on April 8, 2025 in Whitehorse, YK. Fr. Jim grew up and ministered in Whitehorse for many years. It was his wish to spend his final days and be buried with the pioneer Oblates in the cemetery on Grey Mountain in Whitehorse.
Fr. Jim is survived by his siblings: Edward (Sharon), Patricia, and Barry (Susan) and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, William Bleackley and Valentine Claire (nee Redford); and half-brother Donald (Kay) Saul. Fr. Jim was born October 14, 1947 in Vancouver BC. He moved with his family to Whitehorse at the age of nine. He received his elementary and high school education at Christ the King school in Whitehorse.
Fr. Jim began his religious formation at St. Theresa’s Novitiate, Arnprior ON in 1966. He received a BA degree at St. Patrick’s College in Ottawa and studied Theology at St. Paul’s University Seminary, Holy Rosary Scholasticate, and Scannell Theology House, Ottawa ON. He later studied at Carleton University, also in Ottawa. He completed a Clinical-Pastoral Course in 1973 at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
Fr. Jim took his First Vows September 8, 1967, Final Vows September 8, 1972 and was Ordained on September 15, 1973 in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Whitehorse Y.T. Fr. Jim was the first Yukoner in history to become a Catholic priest. His first obedience was as a Missionary in Whitehorse. His other obediences included: Watson Lake and Lower Post as Pastor; Fort St. James – Pastor; Sacred Heart Cathedral, Whitehorse as Rector/Pastor; Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Whitehorse, St. Josephs Parish in Ottawa as Pastor. Fr. Jim received a Sabbatical for special studies in Jerusalem for “Sojourning in the Land of the Bible” with a focus on scripture. Fr. Jim also served on the BC/Yukon District Council – 2011-2013 and OMI Lacombe Provincial Council as Vicar 1 – 2013-2019.
Fr. Jim Bleackley was a man of deep faith and convictions. He was humble, kind, considerate and generous. He was a true gentleman, polite and engaging, and very sensitive to the needs of others.
He preached more by example than by word. He was ready, willing and able to bring his whole person to the service of God and man. Fr. Jim was wiry and energetic. He enjoyed long walks, bike rides and jogging. He was a fitness enthusiast. He was an avid reader and always keen to share his inspirations from his readings and recommend books from his collection.
Fr. Jim resided at the Oblate residence – Pandosy Place in Vancouver. He lovingly cared for his fellow Oblates as needed and willingly continued his ministry by assisting at St. Augustine’s and other local parishes until he suddenly became ill. He will be greatly missed by his family, Oblate family, friends and all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on April 14, 2025 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 406 Steele Street, Whitehorse, YT. Interment follows at Grey Mountain Cemetery, Whitehorse, YT
Tammy MacKay-Kearney
I am so sad to hear of Father Jim’s passing. He was such a kind, caring and gentle man. My condolences to his family.
Les Hickey
Father Jim was a wonderful person. He was caring and welcoming. When we first arrived in Whitehorse in 2007, he made sure that my family and I were comfortable and felt a part of the community. We will remember Father Jim and his family as well as the Whitehorse Catholic community in our prayers.
Dave Alexandrovich
Very sad to hear, Father Jim was a mainstay in jr high. He was caring, considerate and very supportive. He was a good person in all respects. May he find the rest he worked his life to prepare for.
Betty Anne Mackie
Father Jim was such a treasure and he will be fondly missed. When my mother passed in 2012 I had a lovely phone call from Jim, and then when my husband Lance passed in 2023 I was able to to reconnect again. Father Jim gave Lance his Last Rites, said prayers the night before his Funeral and then was co celebrant at Lances Funeral Mass the next day. Recently my son and I had two visits with Jim before he retuned to Whitehorse for the last time.. Father Jim will be remembered with much love, kindness, thoughtfulness and joy. Good by dear cousin Father Jim Bleackley, You’ll always be in our prayers.
Claude Gosselin
Jim’s Family members, Oblate’s Brothers and friends of Sacred Heart Parish, my sincere sympathy. As all of you, I’m deeply affected by the lost of F.Jim. I’m so grateful to have journey with him during 12 years in Yukon until today. He has welcomed me as a brother and brought his unconditional support to our Fench Congregation of St-Eugene-de-Mazenod. For Jim, as Good Shepperd, mercy was over judgment of the law; as disciple of Christ, humanity was over christianity; as priest, justice and charity in acts were over sermons and rituals; as pastor, to serve respectfully and to live faithfully among People of God was over any other requests coming from the Church. His wisdom balanced between silent prayers and God”s Word brought Hope, Courage and Stenght to so many people. Caregiver to his Oblate’s Brothers and parishoners, he was honouring image of God in each of them with Humility,Patience and Joy. He wil continue to inspire my life for the rest of my life. “Come Jim who are blessed by the Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” Mt 25:34
Katherine Musial
You have described Father Jim beautifully, thank you, I wholeheartedly agree. He was a wonderful representative of Gods spirit here on earth. It was a privilege and blessing to have known him.
Betty Anne Mackie
Father Jim was my cousin so I’ve known him my entire life, and he was an absolute treasure and will be deeply missed. When my mother passed away many years ago he was right there to offer his support. More recently when my husband Lance died he performed his last rites at a moments notice and then said prayers the night before his Funeral Mass where he was also a co celebrant. His homily was most touching and helped so much with our grief. I will always remember Father Jim with thoughts of kindness, caring and compassion and his wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Father Jim, his family and friends. Rest in peace dear Cuz.
Mike and Gail Craigen
Grieve for Father Jim, but also be thankful that you were fortunate to know him and he chose you to be his friend. He married us and as the wedding was small, he invited the guests to join together on the altar. Father Jim quickly established the feeling that we were all family. Sadly, the Yukon has lost one of its most caring and remarkable sons.
Sean R Hopkins
My condolences and deepest sympathy to Father Jim’s loved ones in this time of mourning. I will never forget your kindness to my sons when they were growing up. Sean, Ronan, Manus, Cormac.
Katherine Musial
It was a joy and a gift to know and work with Father Jim. He was the personification of the Holy Spirit at work in man. His smile, chuckle, wisdom, advise and prayers were such a blessing. I know he is rejoicing in heaven with his Heavenly Father and all the other saints. I think Claude Gosselin described him beautifully and I agree wholeheartedly. “ For Jim, as Good Shepperd, mercy was over judgment of the law; as disciple of Christ, humanity was over christianity; as priest, justice and charity in acts were over sermons and rituals; as pastor, to serve respectfully and to live faithfully among People of God was over any other requests coming from the Church. His wisdom balanced between silent prayers and God”s Word brought Hope, Courage and Stenght to so many people. Caregiver to his Oblate’s Brothers and parishoners, he was honouring image of God in each of them with Humility,Patience and Joy. He wil continue to inspire my life for the rest of my life. “Come Jim who are blessed by the Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” Mt 25:34