A big thank you to everyone who supported this year's Benefit Auction!  Your response and generosity was overwhelming!  Thank you for supporting Brother James Court as we continue to meet the needs of the residents we serve.  We could not do what we do without your support and generous giving!  Thank you & God's blessings!  Contributions and support are still welcome even though our Benefit Auction has concluded.  Please contact our Development Office at (217) 747-5905 or development@brotherjamescourt.com for more details on supporting Brother James Court.

 Please browse our website.  For a condensed version of all of our website information, click onto this brochure and feel free to download it for a handy reference.

1937 St. James Trade School Football Team – 2011 Springfield Sports Hall of Fame

The best football team in the 23-year history of the sport at St. James Trade School (1934-1956), with 6 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie, sharing the championship of the downstate Catholic High School Conference, was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame, Tuesday, April 12, in a banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  They were coached by Frank “Red” Hartman, who taught history and English and was football, baseball and boxing coach at the Trade School from 1937-1941, when he went into the service for WWII.  Reading left to right – Front Row – William McCroy, Paul Moore, George Evanich, Robert Petschauer, Eugene Caruso, Bernard Tapocik, Paul Britz, John Filipek; Middle Row – Salvatore “Silver” DiGiacomo (led in scoring with 11 touchdowns that season), Robert Mayfield, Jerome Medic, James Sears, Joseph Cooney, Michael Lascody, William “Babe” Aiello, Joseph Bartolomucci, Clarence Yuhas, William Moore; Back Row – Stephan Morovec, Frank Tapocik, Joseph Wilson (captain), Louis Betz, Frank Mertz, Joseph “Jake” Harbauer, Albert Schwabe, Anthony “Mickey” Wysocki, William Guinan, Cleo Deerwester, James Buhnerkemper, Robert Denny, Coach Frank “Red” Hartman.

Photos and information on this team and other sports programs at the Trade School are featured in our commemorative book that’s available online at www.brotherjamescourt.com or send a check for $25 to BJC, 2508 St. James Road, Springfield, IL 62707.

The Fourth Annual St. James Trade School Reunion Mass and Luncheon will be Sunday, June 26.  Mass at 11:15am at St. Joseph the Worker Chapel, followed by lunch in the dining hall of Brother James Court.  Tours will be available of the Trade School, now the Springfield Developmental Center, and Brother James Court.  Phone 217-747-5905 or e-mail development@brotherjamescourt.com for more information.

                                               Commemorative Book

Click here to see final book cover. Price is $25, inc. S&H.  Click here to purchase book.

The full title of the work is “The Spirit of Devotion for St. James Trade School Tradesmen and the Men of Brother James Court”.  It’s a chronicle of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross and their missions in Springfield, IL, since 1928.  Our partner in this endeavor is Arcadia Publishing, which is dedicated to the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.  We will mail your book to you or you can stop by Brother James Court during regular business hours, 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday, and pick up a copy.  Just call 217-747-5905 or email development@brotherjamescourt.com in advance of your coming to BJC.
 

3rd Annual St. James Trade School Reunion

Sunday, June 27, 56 alumni, many with members of their families, and some widows and family of alumni who have passed, created the largest turnout ever for a St. James Trade School reunion.  Over 100 attendees enjoyed the comradery of former classmates representing 23 Classes that spanned 1936 to 1972:
 
1936     1946     1958     1965     1970
1940     1949     1959     1966     1971
1942     1952     1960     1967     1972
1944     1955     1962     1968
1945     1957     1963     1969

 
The Mass at 11:15am, was celebrated by Father Vincent, OFM, in St. Joseph the Worker Chapel, constructed by the trade school students and faculty during the period 1954-1959.  Music was provided by the St. James Parish Choir conducted by Bro. Anthony Joseph.
 
Immediately following the Mass, a lunch and program were provided in St. Joseph’s Hall.  Special guests included Father Roger, OFM, Chaplain and Religion Instructor for over 30 years at the trade school, and Bro. David, Principal from 1968-1972, and a former administrator of Brother James Court.  Other Franciscan Brothers attending the event included Bro. Stephen, Bro. Joel Marc and Bro. Roman.
 
There were lots of reminiscences shared and everyone sang a couple of choruses of “Good Old St. James”.  A tour was conducted of the Springfield Developmental Center, which is the remaining complex from the era of the trade school.
 
Almost 2 dozen copies of the new commemorative book were purchased by alumni, who came from Springfield, the surrounding area, many communities across Illinois and Washington State, Wisconsin and Ohio.
 
If you are a trade school alumnus and have not had any communications from us, please make yourself known and we’ll be glad to put you on our mailing list for future events and activities. 

Contact:  Development Office, Brother James Court, 2508 St. James Road, Springfield, IL 62707; development@brotherjamescourt.com or 217-747-5905.

Both of BJC’s major passenger vans are now proudly announcing our facility to the greater community.  We’re bold and beautiful and on the road every day for special outings or to go to the doctor.  Hey, when you see us, honk if you can’t wave!

Read about Brother James Court’s donation to First Night Springfield.

--Bakke: Grieving parents to thank for fireworks
--First Night Fireworks Saved by Donation
--Our Opinion: Thanks to Brother James Court