Deacon James Thurman has a BA in Philosophy and Masters in Theology from Mount Angel Seminary and is the founder and organizer for the annual Holy League Northwest Catholic men’s conference. Newly ordained in October 2019 by Archbishop Alexander Sample for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Deacon James is currently serving at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Silverton, Oregon. He is a Benedictine Oblate of Mount Angel Abbey. He has served as Pastoral Associate of Catechesis and Family Life at St. Joseph’s in Salem and at St. Paul’s in Silverton. James is U.S. Army veteran as a M1-A2 Abrams tanker and Field Artillery specialist. He spent 3 years active duty, deploying to Bosnia-Herzegovina and 2 years in the Washington State National Guard. He currently is a hospice chaplain for Evergreen Hospice House in Albany.Deacon James is a member of the Board of Directors at G. K. Chesterton Academy of the Willamette Valley. He and his wife Kathleen have been married 12 years and have three beautiful children. Deacon James loves spending time with his family pursuing outdoor adventures like camping and hiking. Deacon James’ passion is studying the faith, reading spiritual books and playing golf. When time permits, he enjoys raising a glass in the company of good friends.