When James H. Mauck first arrived in Denver in 1974 to take the helm of Catholic Charities, the organization was modest in size and scope—operating with a $500,000 budget and just 35 employees. But what it lacked in resources, Jim saw as an opportunity. What followed over the next three decades would become one of the most transformative periods in the history of Catholic social ministry in Colorado.
Jim, who passed away on June 22, 2025, at the age of 83, was not just a leader; he was a builder—of programs, of partnerships and most importantly, of hope. His time at Catholic Charities laid the foundation for the organization as we know it today: a dynamic and far-reaching ministry that touches hundreds of thousands of lives each year across Northern Colorado.
Humble Beginnings and a Clear Calling
Jim was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and raised just across the river in Bridgeport, Ohio. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a B.A. in Sociology from Wheeling Jesuit College. His time at the Jesuit institution sparked in him a passion for social justice and a belief in the power of service—principles that would guide him for the rest of his life.
After college, Jim pursued a Master’s in Social Work at Saint Louis University. It was there that his sense of vocation sharpened: he wasn’t just looking for a job—he was looking for a way to serve others. Not long after graduation, he spotted a job posting with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wheeling. The position involved helping Cuban children displaced by the Bay of Pigs invasion. Jim took the job, describing it later as “God’s hand” guiding his life. That first role launched a 44-year career in Catholic social ministry.
Jim quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a supervisor and then the first lay diocesan director of Catholic Charities in the country. He served for 11 years as executive director in West Virginia, where he expanded services and deepened the agency’s engagement with parishes, schools, and community leaders.
A New Chapter in Colorado
In 1974, Jim accepted the position of President and CEO of Catholic Charities and Community Services in the Archdiocese of Denver.
In his 33-year tenure, Jim oversaw extraordinary growth. By the time he retired in 2007, Catholic Charities had expanded into a $32 million organization with more than 600 employees, serving over 250,000 people each year through more than 40 distinct programs. From emergency assistance and family preservation to refugee resettlement and housing, Jim’s vision was expansive yet always centered on the dignity of the person.
He helped establish and strengthen programs that addressed both immediate needs and systemic issues. Under his leadership, Samaritan House—the first building in the country designed specifically to serve homeless families—became a national model. Jim recognized early on that Catholic Charities must not only feed and shelter people but also help them rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity.
He also saw the importance of partnership. Under his leadership, Catholic Charities worked closely with local parishes, the Archdiocese of Denver, public agencies and other nonprofits to extend its impact. Jim believed deeply in subsidiarity—the idea that help should come from the closest, most immediate level possible—and he trusted and empowered teams to lead locally.
A National Voice for the Vulnerable
Jim didn’t limit his advocacy to Denver. His leadership earned him a place on several national committees and the board of Catholic Charities USA, where he played an important role in shaping policy and encouraging innovation in Catholic social ministry.
In 2004, he was invited to testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. He spoke with clarity and conviction about the long-term impact of homelessness on children. “Children experiencing homelessness suffer from poor nutrition, inadequate health care… and high rates of learning disabilities,” he told lawmakers, urging them to support policies that stabilized families instead of simply offering temporary shelter.
His testimony reflected what so many in Denver already knew about Jim: he was a voice for those who were too often ignored. Whether speaking to policymakers, donors or parishioners, he brought the faces of the poor into the room, compelling others to see and serve them as Christ would.
Leading with Heart and Humor
Despite his many accomplishments, Jim was known for his humility and warmth. He had an easygoing nature, a slow, deliberate storytelling style and a knack for sharing the perfect joke at just the right moment. His colleagues recall that even in the most stressful moments, Jim’s steady demeanor and quiet humor helped keep things grounded.
He was also a deeply relational leader. Jim believed in developing people, not just programs. Many current and former Catholic Charities staff still point to Jim as a mentor who shaped their careers and their personal call to service. He was the kind of leader who knew your family’s name, asked about your kids and never saw himself as above the work—only as part of it.
Beyond the Office Walls
Jim’s commitment to Catholic social teaching wasn’t something he left at the office. After his retirement, he continued to serve through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Christ the King Parish and on the board of Neighborhood Outreach of Colorado. He remained a tireless advocate for children, families and seniors facing hunger and housing insecurity. For Jim, service was not a profession—it was a vocation.
Still, his greatest joy was his family. He and his wife of 59 years, Judy, raised five children together and were blessed with 10 grandchildren. Jim loved bringing everyone together, especially for outdoor adventures. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. His family recalls his deep love for the mountains and his gift for finding peace and perspective in nature.
A Lasting Impact
It’s difficult to overstate Jim Mauck’s impact on the Archdiocese of Denver. At a time when Catholic Charities needed both direction and inspiration, he offered both. He brought professional excellence, strategic vision and unwavering fidelity to the Gospel. More importantly, he left behind an organization—and a legacy—that continues to serve as the hands and feet of Christ.
His influence lives on in the programs he helped build, the people he served and the leaders he mentored. Every meal served at Samaritan House, every new mother supported by Marisol Services, every family who finds stability at Catholic Charities Housing—they are all, in some way, part of Jim’s enduring legacy.
As we reflect on Jim’s life and leadership, we give thanks for his decades of faithful service. He showed us what it means to walk with the poor, to lead with compassion and to build something that outlasts a career: a community rooted in love.
May he rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire all of us who carry forward the mission he so passionately embraced.
His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, 830 Elm Street in Denver, followed by a reception in the church hall. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Neighborhood Outreach of Colorado or St. Vincent de Paul at Christ the King Parish, continuing Jim’s legacy of serving the poor with dignity and love.