Reverend James Clement Gulley

Albany-Reverend James Clement Gulley, 79, was born into Eternal Life Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Teresian House. On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1935 James Gulley was born in Watervliet, NY. He was the final child born to Anthony and Mary Hynes Gulley and their family: John, Marie, Anthony and Joseph. All the children were graduates of St. Patrick’s School. James and his brothers graduated from La Salle Institute, Troy, NY where he graduated in 1953. On February 14, 1954, the Wedding Anniversary of his parents, James began his novitiate at the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. After his five years of formation and education as a De La Salle Christian Brother, his assignments were in Barrytown, NY, Washington, D.C., New York City, Albany, NY, Detroit, MI and Lincolndale, NY. In these assignments he was involved as a staff member in the Formation Programs of the Brothers, as well as, teaching English, Religion, Speech, Drama, Debate and directing high school plays and musicals. As a La Sallian Christian Brother, his educational preparation for these assignments included: a B.S. Degree in Speech and English from New York University, and a MSW from University of Iowa. In September of 1978, James began his theological studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University of Baltimore, MD where he earned his B.A. Degree in Theology and a Master’s Degree in Divinity. On August 25, 1981, James as a Deacon, began ministry at the Parish of St. Mary’s, Amsterdam, NY. The Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany, ordained Father Gulley on October 10, 1981. Bishop Hubbard assigned Father Gulley as Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s Parish, Amsterdam. Together with Pastor, Msgr. Edward R. Glavin, Fr. Gulley shared in the various ministries for the People of God. Over the years, Monsignor Glavin guided and inspired Fr. Gulley with the spiritual and practical theme for two parish priests: Service to the People. Over the years of loyalty to the Church and to the Parish, a wonderful friendship grew, and they worked together easily serving the community. Upon the retirement of Monsignor Glavin, Bishop Hubbard, in the autumn of 1998, appointed Father James Gulley to succeed his friend and mentor. Several years later Father James’s brother, Reverend Anthony David Gulley, Ph. D., a priest ordained for the Diocese of Albany on May 26, 1956 by Albany’s seventh Bishop, Bishop William A. Scully, took up residence in St. Mary’s Rectory and joyfully shared in the ministerial duties too, as Fr. James would say, “the good people of Amsterdam, and St. Mary’s Church and School” Father James Gulley was former Dean of Clergy of Montgomery County. He was a former member of the Albany Diocesan School Board and Advisory Board of St. Mary’s Hospital. Father Gulley was also former Chaplain of the Amsterdam Fire Department. He was on the Founding Board of the Inmann Senior Citizens Organization. Father Gulley received the “Good Neighbor” Award of Liberty Enterprises, The Amsterdam YMCA “Distinguished Citizen’s” Award and The “Priest of the Year” Award given by the Albany Diocese Committee for Scouting. Father James was the beloved brother of the late John Gulley, Marie T. Phillips, Rev. Anthony D. Gulley, Ph.D., and Joseph Gulley; dear uncle of John, Russell and Roger Gulley, Caryle Guyatte Herr, Joseph and Kathleen Gulley, Patricia Luce and Maryann Hannay; brother-in-law of Katherine Gulley; beloved friend of the Parente, McVeigh, Dwyer, Brennan and Constantine families. Reception of the Body will be Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 4:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY with Visitation continuing until 8:00 pm. Funeral services Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 am in Father’s beloved St. Mary’s Church, Amsterdam where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Concelebrated. Father Gulley will be buried next to his cherished parents and family in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy, NY. To leave a message for the family, obtain directions or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Although Father Gulley asked contributions be made to either The Fathers Anthony and James Gulley Scholarship Fund, CBA, 12 Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12205 or St. Mary’s Church, 156 E. Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, Jim’s ministry and love of the Gospel will live on by your deliberate act of kindness towards the sick and dying; the aged and the lonely; the spiritually impoverished; or those confined to hospitals or nursing homes. “St. John Baptist De La Salle.......Pray for Us!” “Live Jesus in Our Hearts.......Forever!”

Tributes

Reverend James Clement Gulley

April 21, 1935 - May 17, 2014