Born April 4, 1887, Herman Hermes, like so many of our friars, began his life in Louisville, Kentucky. As a minor seminarian, he attended our school in Trenton, New Jersey, and was received into the Order at Syracuse, New York, as Friar James. He professed First Vows September 13, 1903. Finishing his philosophical studies at Trenton, he was sent to Rome for theology, where he gained a doctorate in theology. He was ordained to the priesthood September 13, 1909. Most of Father James' early days as a priest were spent in the west as one of the friars based at St. James, Douglas, Wyoming, and, then, from 1916 to 1924, at St. Joseph, Broken Bow, Nebraska. He served pastorates at Holy Cross (which he founded), Lansing, and at St. Joseph Terre Haute. His native town of Louisville saw him there for the most of his years. From 1933 until 1942, he was Pastor and Guardian at St. Anthony, for six years at St. Peter. From 1948 until 1955, he was Pastor at St. Paul, Pleasure Ridge Park. A powerful and eloquent preacher, Father James was widely known as a preacher of retreats and conference to Sisters. His style of preaching included abundant use of Latin texts. No doubt it is because of his ability to proclaim God's Word that Father James is best remembered by those he served and by his confreres. The members of the Province elected Father James to serve the Order as Secretary of the Province and as Definitor. His influence in Province decisions was felt for many years. When Father James was victimized by lingering ill health, those who knew him in his vigor could not help but be struck by the change in one whose strength gave way to mortality. Father James died in Louisville on November 29, 1957.

May he and all the departed brothers, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.