Fr James Tuohy

Early life

James Tuohy was born at Keswick on February 17, 1929, one of two children born to Gerald and Molly Tuohy of Thebarton. He had a brother, John. His early education was received at the St John the Baptist School at Thebarton, then at Christian Brothers College, Wakefield Street and finally at Rostrevor College. His mother died when he was very young and he has a great affection for his stepmother Effie, and his aunt Tottie.

His ecclesiastical studies were somewhat varied. He began at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Adelaide in 1952, where he studied philosophy, then transferred to Mount Melleray Seminary, Cappoquin in Ireland and finally to All Hallows College in Dublin. He was ordained to the priesthood in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide on July 5,1958.

First appointments

Following ordination, he was sent temporarily to Salisbury as assistant priest, and two months later he returned to assist in the Cathedral parish. He was appointed assistant priest in Tranmere parish on January 22, 1959, and at the end of the year he was transferred to the Woodville parish.

His life’s special ministry

He began, on February 1, 1962, what became something of the love of his life when he was appointed Chaplain to the Apostleship of the Sea, to reside at the Largs Bay Orphanage. This became his special apostolate for many years. And of course the children at the orphanage remember him as a jolly priest who entertained them with his piano playing, his jovial pranks and taking them on various excursions.

On or about St Patrick’s Day each year, he would visit two or three primary schools dressed as a leprechaun and entertain fascinated children with Irish airs on his beloved squeeze box.  

Further appointments

In 1970 he was granted three months long service leave and travelled overseas. After more than nine years with the Seamen’s Mission, on October 1, 1971 he was appointed assistant priest in the Glenelg parish. In January 1974 he returned to the Cathedral parish and one year later he was appointed full-time chaplain at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. During 1977 he served as a relieving priest in various parishes.

In January 1978 he was appointed to Morphett Vale parish as assistant priest, but later that year he was asked to care for the Mount Barker parish for four months while the parish priest was on study leave. However due to ill-health, he could not continue there and returned to the Cathedral parish to assist and do some supply work. 

From January 1984 he was happy to resume the Apostleship of the Sea part-time, while continuing to live at  Archbishop’s House at West Terrace. While continuing his work with the Apostleship of the Sea, on the September 1, 1985 he was appointed part-time chaplain at the Philip Kennedy Centre at Largs Bay and he was able to live at the Centre.

Ill health and retirement

As his health was failing, and after suffering serious heart disease, he retired from active ministry and returned to live at Archbishop’s House. He lived happily there for the next eight years, only undertaking light duties when he felt able.

Throughout his life he was a great entertainer, a gifted musician and people of all ages appreciated his musical gifts. He loved all things Gaelic, stemming from the time of his studies in Ireland. His good friend Fr Neil Kelly once said: “His acute perceptions and insightful explanations of the faith showed a mind that was indeed gifted.”

Afflicted with depression, God’s troubadour still

At times he suffered from acute depression. He said once that anyone who has never experienced depression could not possibly understand its effects.

His own fragility enabled him to have special rapport with people of all beliefs or none and with men, women and children of all ages. It was as a raconteur that he excelled. Trivial incidents were relayed with a turn of phrase that gave great amusement to his hearers.

Sadly, he died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on April 30, 1996. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on May 3, and was attended by more than 800 people. His burial took place at Centennial Park Cemetery. He was a priest of vibrant faith, aptly regarded as God’s troubadour.

May he rest in peace.