James Cahill

Sylva, Father James P. Cahill, 93, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his residence.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen Hentschel Cahill.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister and two brothers.  Father Cahill was the youngest of his siblings.  He was a Catholic priest.  Father Cahill entered the Jesuits in 1947 and ordained in 1961.  He served in the Diocese of Charlotte for several years.  Father Cahill served at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and was pastor of St. Mary Mother of God in Sylva, North Carolina.  Father Jim  helped as needed in parishes in the Smoky Mountains Vicariate.  Those who knew Father Jim, knew he had a favorite phrase, ORP "old retired priest".

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church in Maggie Valley.  Inurnment will follow the Mass at St. Margaret’s Columbarium.

The care of Father Cahill has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.