Father James Fleming was born in Cleveland, Ohio and in 1945 relocated to the East Coast of Florida with his parents.  His father was an insurance agent and his mother was a homemaker. 

He studied philosophy at St. Bernard’s College in Cullman, Alabama and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956.  He went on to study theology for several years before becoming an entrepreneur.  He owned several small businesses including flower shops, banks and a nightclub.

He then earned his master’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida with a minor in counseling and he taught for several years.  It was later in life that he became aware of a calling to the Priesthood.  and did his pastoral studies at Catholic University in Washington.  He was ordained in 1986 in Venice, Florida. 

Fr. Fleming served as Pastor of St. Paul Church (a bi-lingual church) in Arcadia, St. Raphael Church in Lehigh Acres, FL and served as Pastor of St. Andrew’s church in Cape Coral.  When he retired, he moved to Citrus county and worked part-time for Saint Scholastica Church in Lecanto. 

Fr. Fleming also likes to sail and is enjoying his retirement very much.  He is very happy to be a part of our staff here at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.