March 12, 2022
REST IN PEACE
James F. Belzer, “Jim” to his many family and friends, 90, of Glen Mills, PA, died Saturday March 12, 2022 at Maris Grove Senior Community in Glen Mills, PA.
He was the husband of Anna M. (Smith) Belzer; they were married for 49 years. She was the love of his life.
Born August 23, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Paul A. Belzer and the late Lenore J. (Lyden) Belzer.
Jim grew up in Kenmore, just outside of Buffalo, NY. He attended St. John’s Elementary School, and later, the Columban Seminary at Silver Creek, NY. He graduated from St. Columban’s College in Omaha, NE with a bachelor’s degree in theology, and went on to study English at Loyola University Chicago, receiving a master’s degree.
Jim was ordained a Columban priest in 1957. After teaching for some years at Silver Creek, he was sent on mission to the Philippines, serving in several rural villages and Manila. He was one of the founders of the Student Catholic Association (SCA). Jim’s Roman Catholic faith was always the deep bedrock of his life. Later, Jim was very active in whatever parish he belonged to, frequently teaching RCIA and confirmation classes.
After leaving the active priesthood, Jim became a recognized and respected corporate trainer, working for, among other companies, Purina, Florida Power, Baltimore Gas & Electric, and the ARC of Atlantic County, NJ. He also owned his own training consulting business, Practical Technology.
Jim loved gardening, getting his start in seminary, tending Silver Creek’s extensive rose gardens. He was a great sports fan, following baseball, basketball, and football, as well as playing golf. He liked to cook, particularly Italian food. Lastly, and most especially, Jim was an avid reader, enjoying thrillers, mysteries, the classics, and non-fiction. One of his favorite quotes was from Jane Eyre:
“I am very happy... and when you hear that I am dead you must be sure and not grieve; there is nothing to grieve about. ...I have faith; I am going to God.”
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his daughter, Lyn Belzer, and her husband Torberg; his son, Jim Belzer, and his wife Lindsay; his grandchildren, Brigid, TJ, and Sean; and his sister, Lenore Belzer.
He was preceded in death by his older brother, Msgr. Paul J. Belzer, and his youngest sister, Elizabeth A. McDermott.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Wednesday March 16, 2022 from 10-10:45am at the St. Norbert Parish, 50 Leopard Road Paoli, PA 19301 followed by his Funeral Mass at 11am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missionary Society of St. Columban, 1902 N. Calhoun St., Saint Columbans, NE 68056 (columban.org).
Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.
Jim was a long time member of CORPUS and had an active wedding ministry with the Federation of Christian Ministries. He attended many of the CORPUS' National Meetings.
CONDOLENCES:
Anna Belzer
119 Veman Woods
Glen Mills, PA 19342