The Rev. James “Father Jim” Ferry, a beloved Catholic priest whose ministry touched generations of parishioners in Fall River, New Bedford and throughout the Diocese of Fall River, died Friday, July 24, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following a lengthy illness. He was 73.
A native of Fall River, Father Ferry was born on Feb. 20, 1953, to the late John Ferry Sr. and Emily (Costa) Ferry. He attended Swansea Public Grammar School and graduated with honors from Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton before entering Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1984, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River by then-Bishop Daniel A. Cronin.
Father Ferry began his priestly ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, where he served as parochial vicar from 1984 to 1993. During his nearly decade-long assignment, he worked alongside Monsignor Luis G. Mendonca and played a key role in the extensive renovation of the historic church, leaving a lasting mark on one of New Bedford’s most prominent Catholic parishes.
After serving briefly at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Taunton, Father Ferry was assigned to Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River in 1995 and was named pastor the following year.
For nearly two decades, Father Jim became one of Fall River’s most familiar and respected clergy members. As pastor of Espirito Santo, he oversaw major renovations to both the church and parish hall while remaining a steadfast supporter of Espirito Santo School. In 2004, he was also appointed administrator of Our Lady of Health Parish in Fall River, guiding the parish until its closure in 2006. Following the merger, he supervised the construction of the Our Lady of Health Chapel adjoining Espirito Santo Church, preserving the parish’s spiritual legacy.
Declining health led Father Ferry to retire on July 1, 2014. He relocated to Inola, Oklahoma, where he continued serving the Church by assisting at St. Cecilia Parish in Claremore and St. Ann Parish in Welch whenever his health allowed.
Known simply as “Father Jim,” he was admired for his kindness, humility, unwavering faith and dedication to the people he served. Whether in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton or Oklahoma, he built lasting relationships with parishioners who appreciated his compassion, steady presence and commitment to the Catholic faith.
Father Ferry is survived by his sisters, Emily Monteiro, Irene King, Evelyn Jones, Catherine Vecchio and Patricia Moniz; his brother, John Ferry Jr.; his sister-in-law, Barbara Jean Ferry; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters, Agnes Massey and Anne Tripp, and his brother, Edward Ferry.
He also leaves behind countless friends and parishioners throughout the Diocese of Fall River, along with the many friends in Inola, Oklahoma, whom he considered his extended family.
Father Ferry will lie in repose at Espirito Santo Church, 311 Alden St., Fall River, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, beginning at 4 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at Espirito Santo Church, with Bishop Edgar M. DaCunha serving as principal celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Somerset.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Espirito Santo School, 143 Everett St., Fall River, MA 02723, Attn: Principal Andrew Raposo.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manuel Rogers Funeral Home in Fall River.
