By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
It’s often said, “Leave the world better than you found it.” That takes a special kind of person — but anyone who knew Jim Severson, a longtime member of St. John Vianney Church in Kailua, knows he lived by those words every day.
Severson passed away in September at age 91.
“Jim was a friendly man of faith who readily shared his talents,” said Bishop Larry Silva. “He loved the Lord, which was obvious in his prayer and service.”
Diocesan Finance Officer Lisa Sakamoto met Severson when applying for her current role — he was serving as interim finance officer at the time. He also held other volunteer roles for the diocese, including on the diocesan Finance Council, the Investment and Loan Committee, and was serving as chairman of the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation’s board of directors at the time of his death.
“He was a good man — a consummate gentleman,” Sakamoto said. “He loved the church deeply.”
One thing Sakamoto really valued about Severson was his willingness to help, no matter the cost.
“Time was never an issue,” she said. “He just did what was needed — very dedicated and disciplined. Some people speak the truth through their actions, and Jim was one of those. His faith was shown by what he did every day.”
Sakamoto said she wants Severson’s family to know that they were lucky to have someone like Severson lead them, but they probably already know that. She said she feels very fortunate to have known him.
“God graced him with a happy death,” she said. “He lived a full life surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — (he was) just a really good person who will be sorely missed.”
Among his many talents, Severson was also a great cantor and sang with the St. John Vianney choir for decades along with his wife, Patricia. He was also involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society based at the parish.
Sakamoto mentioned that she and the staff knew they couldn’t bother him on his golf days. He was also a fisherman.
Bishop Larry Silva said he appreciates that Severson was always thankful for what he had. He didn’t take things for granted like so many of us might do.
“We all need examples of those who are thankful for all that God has given them, and Jim was an outstanding role model for us,” Bishop Silva said.
Bishop Silva said he will miss Severson, who was a big part of the diocese for so many years.
“Jim was always upbeat and friendly, but he was diligent in his work, especially in the advice he would give on financial matters and investments for the diocese,” Bishop Silva said. “There was never a sense of obligation in Jim’s service, but a sense of gratitude to God that led him to serve others with all the talents God had given him.”
Bishop Silva and Sakamoto offered their condolences to Severson’s family. They are missing him too, but have hope in Christ.
“Although grief may be a great burden, it is also a great gift, because it is real to the extent that there was love,” Bishop Silva said. “May that love he shared never die, because God is love!”
Above: Jim Severson served his parish and the Diocese of Honolulu for decades. (Courtesy Jennifer Hirokawa)