Rev. James Patrick Costigan, 75, of The Fathers of Mercy in Auburn, KY, died Oct. 23, 2026, in

Hospice of Southern Kentucky. He was born June 23, 1951, to Laurence and Gertrude Costigan

in East Los Angeles. Father Jim attended California State Polytechnic University, Pamona, and

graduated with an English degree. He worked various jobs throughout his life, before discerning

a priestly vocation. He volunteered diligently for Operation Rescue, a Catholic pro-life

organization. At 44, he initially discerned with The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius and The

Congregation of the Redeemer, before entering The Congregation of Priests of Mercy (Fathers of

Mercy) in 1996 and made perpetual profession of vows in August of 2000. He was ordained to

the priesthood on May 31, 2002. His priestly ministry began at Sacred Heart Church in

Russellville, KY, before being assigned to the missionary preaching apostolate. Along with

parish missions and missions promoting Eucharistic adoration around the United States and

Canada, Fr. Jim assisted with Rachel’s Vineyard, a post-abortion healing ministry, and

Retrouvaille, a ministry helping troubled marriages. Also, he was the first Father of Mercy to do

Spanish-speaking missions. An avid movie and book connoisseur, Fr. Jim enjoyed conversation

about various topics and possessed an enduring sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his

father (Laurence) and mother (Gertrude), and all of his siblings (Pat, Teri, Larry, Chuck, Tom,

and Jack). Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 6:00pm-9:00am Saturday, November 7,

2026 at The Chapel of Divine Mercy in Auburn, KY. Funeral Mass and burial will be at 10:00am

Saturday Nov. 7, 2026 at The Chapel of Divine Mercy in Auburn, KY.  

Kirby Funeral Services Russellville entrusted with arrangements.