"Big Mama" was the term the kids lovingly used to refer to their mother. Though she was petite, they knew, "she was in charge" says Father Jim Worth, the youngest of the seven children. "She would give you the shirt off her back and she made all the decisions" says the pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Maplewood, NJ. Renea, or mom, had to start making decisions at a young . Her father died suddenly and she took over the role of mother as her mom was overcome with grief.
Father Jim can hardly contain himself when asked about his mother. "She was my biggest supporter, she's one of the main reasons I became a priest." Renea loved all her children equally, so she said on a regular basis, but Father Jim is convinced he was her favorite.
The only sibling to attend college, Father Jim completed his undergraduate and 2 graduate degrees from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ and currently is an adjunct professor at said school. He was loved by his doting mother who often protected him from his older brother's rough housing as you can imagine.
Nana, his maternal grandmother, lived with the family many years and was also an integral part of Father Jim's cherished childhood. The two often listened to music together which is one of the many reasons my guest has such a love for music of the 40's, 50's and more.
Often referred to as the Brady Bunch, Alice, their grandmother, mom and dad and the kids, boy girl/boy girl birth order, etc often spent evenings together watching tv and listening to music after enjoying a big family meal together. Those are the memories that Father Jim reflects upon the most with a sense of humor that abounds. "It wasn't always perfect, but I wouldn't change anything for the world.
An avid piano player and singer, Father Jim performs regularly for his congregation and his community. Music is a huge part of his life and so much of that passion stems from his childhood, his nana and his mother, Renea.
Just a few years prior to this interview, Father Jim had a massive heart attack while driving on the highway. And yet some how he miraculously survived the "widow maker"-he needed quintuple bypass surgery-five arteries were completely blocked. He professes that his faith had something to do with saving his life, giving him another chance to help those in need.
Father Jim shares many wonderful stories of his priesthood and how proud his mother was of his vocation.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrJimWorth
Instagram: frjimworth
Twitter: Fr Jim Worth