Diocese of Youngstown announces death of Monsignor Kolp, 99. The Canton native served nearly 75 years in the diocese.
The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of Youngstown, is announcing the death of Monsignor James Kolp, 99, who died on Feb. 6.
Calling hours will be held 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Mary Church), 206 Cherry Road NE, Massillon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13 at the church.
Kolp is survived by nephew Peter Kolp and nieces Carol Savage, Jane Stone and Ellen Altieri. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mary Josephine, Sister Kathleen Anne and Joseph.
Kolp was born June 11, 1925, the son of Merton and Ann (Hamann) Kolp. He attended St. Paul School in North Canton and St. John High School in Canton. Following graduation, Kolp entered Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and completed his studies at St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland. He also attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C., earning a master of arts in education.
Kolp was ordained April 29, 1950 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. Following ordination, Kolp served as parochial vicar at St. Columba and served on the faculty at Cardinal Mooney and Ursuline high schools.
Kolp became pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish (Dungannon) in 1964. He served as pastor at St. Bernadette Parish (Masury) from 1965-1967 and St. James Parish (Warren) from 1967-1973. He was appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish (Massillon) in 1973 and served there until his retirement in 2000. in April 2000, he was named a prelate of honor by Pope John Paul II.
Kolp was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Massillon Council #554. He served on the Priest Retirement Board and presbyteral council. He was Diocesan director of the Boy and Girl Scouts, moderator of the National Council of Catholic Women and coordinator of the Inner-City Apostolate in Warren.
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