Father James Barlow, a priest of the archdiocese who most recently served as pastor of St. Luke Church in San Antonio until his retirement last June, died at his residence in Castle Hills this morning. He was 74.
James Patrick Barlow was born on Nov. 23, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to James and Marion Barlow. He was the third of three boys, with older brothers Robert and Timothy.
Barlow earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Mary’s University before pursuing theology studies at St. Mary’s, Assumption Seminary, and Oblate School of Theology.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1973 at St. Luke’s Church. Prior to his priestly ordination, Barlow had served for a year as a deacon there.
Father Barlow was assigned as associate pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in San Antonio from June 1973 to June 1975, and then as associate pastor at St. Dominic’s Church in San Antonio from July 1975 to June 1980. He assumed the pastorate of St. Rose of Lima Church in Schulenburg from June 1980 to June 1983.
Father Barlow then began more than two decades of service as a chaplain in the United States Air Force in various assignments until his retirement from the military and subsequent return to the archdiocese.
In June 2007, Father Barlow was appointed as pastor of St. Luke Church for a six-year term. He oversaw an expansion and renovation of the church facility in 2009, and the dedication of a new gymnasium complex in 2011.
Father Barlow’s pastorate was renewed for an additional six-year term in 2013. Soon thereafter, Father Barlow was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the central nervous system which affects movement. Progression of the disease necessitated his retirement from the parish in June 2018.
Funeral arrangements are pending.