Obituary: Ribble, The Reverend Monsignor James M., Ph.D.
Carroll College: Helena, Montana, BA St. Paul’s Seminary: St. Paul MN., M.A., and M.Div.
1962 Graduate Studies: Northwestern University: Evanston, IIL.
(Doctorate Studies in Education) Washington State University: Ph.D. Ordained: 30 May 1957 by Bishop Bernard J. Topel D.D., Bishop of Spokane, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes Celebrated: 16 June 1957 First Solemn Mass, St. Joan of Arc, Skokie, IIL.
1997 Golden Anniversary of Ordination, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Spokane, WA Assigned: 1957-1968 Diocesan Director of Vocations 1957-1965 Teacher and Rector at Bishop White Seminary 1965-1968 Rector at Mater Cleri Seminary 1968-1970 Principal DeSalles High School, Walla Walla, WA 1970-1976 Graduate Doctoral Studies and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Pullman, WA 1976-1983 President/Rector Mount Angel Seminary, Portland, OR.
1983-1988 Adjunct Professor, Gonzaga University 1983-2005 Rector, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Spokane, WA.
2009 Senior Emeritus, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes Received: 1969 Pilots’ License 1997 Papal Honors from John Paul II and made Domestic Prelate with the title Reverend Monsignor 1997 The Legacy of Leadership Award, Mount Angel Seminary 1997 Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of The Knights of The Holy Sepulchre Organizations: 1948 Received rank of Eagle Scout 1952 Fraternal Order of The Elks 1957 The Knights of Columbus 1997 The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Clubs: 1965 The Spokane Club 1978-1981 Oregon Governors Committee on Higher Education 1978-1983 Northwest Colleges and Universities Accreditations Commission 1979-1981 Vice President of the Oregon Association of Independent Colleges and Universities 1984-1987 Vice President of the National Federation of Priest Councils 1988-1992 President and Co-founder of the West Coast Cathedral Rector’s Association During his tenure: Mater Cleri Seminary was awarded full academic accreditation by the State of Washington.
DeSalles High School was awarded full accreditation by the State of Washington.
Mount Angel Seminary was awarded full academic accreditations by the Association of American and Canadian Theological School; the Association of Northwest Colleges and Universities: the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Seminary Accreditation Commission.
During his tenure as Rector of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, major renovations were undertaken.
An elevator pavilion was constructed, bronze doors were added for the Centennial, major works of Art were acquired for the Cathedral Collection and the Cathedral Endowment Fund was begun.
All of these undertakings were brought about by the generosity of the parishioners of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, whom Monsignor Ribble had the privilege to serve.
Monsignor Ribble had a passion for travel.
This avocation brought him great joy when he was able to be a Tour Guide for groups of mutually interested travelers.
One of the great experiences of his life was leading a group of 15 pilgrims around the world from the Parthenon to the Pyramids, from the Holy Land to the Far East, with exploration of great cities like London, Paris and Rome.
He used his vacation time frequently to be a Chaplin on cruise ships that plied the waters of all the oceans of the world.
He never knew which was the greater learning experience, academia or travel.
Visitation is Wednesday, October 30th from 1pm to 6pm at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Vigil is October 30th, 7pm at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Funeral Mass is Thursday, October 31st, 12 pm at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Entombment is Thursday, October 31st, 3pm in the Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “The Ribble Endowment Fund” for The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Please visit Msgr.
Ribble’s on-line webpage at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com to leave a message of remembrance.