KIRCHNER, James A.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, March 07, 2014 Father James A. Kirchner was welcomed into his Father's loving arms on March 2, 2014, after 50 years of serving the Lord as a Catholic priest. Father Jim was born Feb. 9, 1938 in Kearny, N.J., to Andrew and Winifred Cherry. He was adopted as an infant by Charles and Charlotte Kirchner, following the death of his mother. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey on May 25, 1963, and served as a parochial vicar at Saint Nicholas Parish in Jersey City and as a teacher at Seton Hall Prep in South Orange. Afterward, he served in many parishes around the United States and in Mexico and as a chaplain aboard cruise ships. He was known for his piano playing, quick wit, warm smile and love for his dog, Ransom. He is survived by his sister Winifred Scherer (Eugene); a niece; two nephews; and his loving friend Mary Dahl. A Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, at Sacred Heart, 150 Fleury St., Prescott, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Priests Care and Retirement Endowment and sent to The Office of Ministry to Retired Priests, P.O. Box 9500, Newark, NJ 07104-0500. Information provided by survivors.