Rev. James Richard Savary

Father James Richard Savary, 80, died on Sunday, March 15, at his home in Little Rock. Affectionately known as "Dick," he was born November 13, 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dick was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Little Rock on May 26, 1960 in the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. He served as an assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith; St. John, Hot Springs; Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock; St. Mary's, Hot Springs, and Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock, before being named Diocesan Director of Catholic Hospitals and Social Services, along with Assistant Director of the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese. In 1976, he was named pastor of St. Boniface, New Dixie, and the Missions of Little Italy and Oppelo. He was named pastor of Holy Redeemer, El Dorado; St. Theresa, Little Rock, and St. Jude, Jacksonville, before his retirement in 1992. Dick is survived by his brother, Thomas Jack Savary of Little Rock, and two sisters, Evedna Duran of Little Rock, and Mary Jane Grimaldi of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, great-nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew today, Thursday, March 19, at 10 a.m. with Bishop Anthony Taylor as principal celebrant and homilist. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, "Priest's Circle," immediately following the funeral Mass. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, The McDonald Center, 2415 N. Tyler St., Little Rock, Ark. 72207. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Father Savary's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.