Reverend James Edward Auth

Reverend James Edward Auth, a priest of the Diocese of Toledo for sixty-five years, died peacefully on August 6, 2026, after several days in hospice care in Perrysburg, Ohio. He was 90.

Born in Toledo on April 22, 1936, to Raymond and Mary Ann (Fitzpatrick) Auth, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and graduated as valedictorian of Central Catholic High School in 1954. He completed his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1961, in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Father Jim faithfully served the Diocese of Toledo as a parish priest, educator, judge of the Diocesan Tribunal, and hospital chaplain. He ministered in Sandusky and Toledo, especially at St. Clement, St. Catherine of Siena and Regina Coeli, where he became known for his kindness, wisdom, and readiness to help others. Even in retirement, Father Jim continued celebrating funerals, visiting the sick and serving as Chaplain at St. Anne Mercy Hospital and The Toledo Hospital. Father Jim and friends often remarked that his Masses rarely lasted more than thirty minutes.

He also treasured lifelong friendships through the Toledo Alumni Club, celebrating weddings, traveling, playing tennis with friends, and enjoying annual ski trips.

He is survived by his siblings, Mary K. Williams and Rev. William Auth, O.S.F.S.; his nephew, John Williams (Matthew Hanes); his nieces, Ann Strobel (Mike) and Kathy Thomas (Kurt); his great-nephews, Zach and Ryan Thomas; and his longtime friends Susan Gulich and Shelia Powers. In addition to his parents, Father Jim was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Tom Williams.

The Reception of Father Jim’s body will begin Monday, August 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4555 North Haven Ave, Toledo, OH 43612 with Vespers beginning at 6:00 p.m. The family will receive guests until 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Cardone as the Homilist and Jim’s brother, Bill, officiating. Burial will be private at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Maya Missions or the charity of the donor’s choice.

The Reception of the Body, Vespers and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed via the St. Catherine of Siena YouTube page.

Arrangements under the direction of Newcomer Funeral Home and the Diocese of Toledo.