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