Deacon James C. Olinger, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died on July 1, 2026, at the age of 84.
Deacon Olinger was ordained September 26, 1998, by Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. Upon ordination, he was assigned to St. Rita Parish, Dayton, where he served all of his twenty-seven years of ordained ministry. He was granted Senior Status by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr October 10, 2020.
In addition to many ministries, Deacon Jim led the Miraculous Medal Novena Prayer Group for several decades at St. Rita’s. This Novena was special to Deacon Jim, as well as the Stations of the Cross.
Deacon Olinger was preceded in death by his parents, his step-daughter, Lori, and brothers Gerald and David. He leaves his daughter, Kathy and niece Elizabeth Wysong.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 5410 N. Main St, Dayton, OH 45415. Visitation will precede the Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
You may read the full obituary for Deacon Olinger on the funeral home website here Obituary information for Deacon Jim Olinger.
