Monsignor James Erwin Cain

December 21, 1919 – June 9, 2017

Monsignor James Erwin Cain, 97, of Stockton, California, son of the late James Peter Cain and Kathryn Nugent, was born in Oakland, California on December 21, 1919. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1950 for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, CA where he served as an Associate Pastor of St. Ambrose, Berkeley, from 1950 to 1953; St. Francis Solano, Sonoma from 1953 to 1954; St. Raphael, San Rafael from 1954 to 1960; St. Anne, Lodi from 1960 to 1962. Incardinated into the newly formed Diocese of Stockton in 1962, he served as Secretary to the Bishop of Stockton from 1962 to 1965; Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 1962 to 1965; Chancellor of the Diocese of Stockton from 1965 to 1975; Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 1965 to 1973; Director of Catholic Cemeteries from 1965 to 2007; Vicar General of the Diocese of Stockton from 1975 through 1999. In 1965 Father Cain received the papal honor of Domestic Prelate, with the title of Monsignor, from Pope Paul VI. In 1972 he was granted the additional papal honor of Prothonotary Apostolic by Pope Paul VI.

From 1962 onwards, Monsignor Cain was instrumental in the development of the newly formed Diocese of Stockton. He was a priest of excellent character and reputation who faithfully served the people of the Diocese of Stockton for over forty five years. His life was a characterized by an unfailing commitment to the Church, excellent leadership skills, deep wisdom and a great sense of humor.

Predeceased by his brother Donald Cain and his sister, Sister Noreen Cain, SND, he is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be take place at Casa Bonita Funeral Home, 2500 Cemetery Lane, Stockton, CA on Thursday, June 15 from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm. The Rosary will be recited at 3.00 pm at Casa Bonita. Monsignor Cain’s body will be received at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Stockton at 6.30 pm, followed by a Vigil Service at 7.00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Stockton on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11 am. Committal at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, Stockton, CA. will follow immediately after the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.