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Celebrating 15 Years of Faithful Service
Farewell to Deacon Jim Nees:
June 2026
Hospital Chaplaincy extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Deacon Jim Nees, who has retired after fifteen years of dedicated service as the Catholic Hospital Chaplain at Whangārei Hospital.
Originally from Pittsburgh, USA, Jim was commissioned as a hospital chaplain in 2011 by Bishop Patrick Dunn. Since then, he has become a familiar and much-loved presence throughout the hospital, providing pastoral care, spiritual support, and compassionate encouragement to patients, families, and staff.
Over the years, Jim's ministry has touched countless lives. Whether offering a bedside prayer, sharing Holy Communion, blessing a room, conducting a funeral service, or celebrating a baptism, he has faithfully walked alongside people during some of life's most significant moments.
Known for his bright Hawaiian-style shirts and warm personality, Jim brought both comfort and hope wherever he went. Patients, whānau, and hospital staff alike came to value his caring presence, thoughtful conversations, and reassuring words during challenging times.
Throughout his tenure, Jim also maintained a close connection between Whangārei Hospital and the priests of St Francis Xavier Parish, ensuring parishioners continued to receive consistent pastoral and sacramental care while in hospital.
We particularly acknowledge Jim's steadfast commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As hospitals faced unprecedented challenges, he remained dedicated to supporting patients, families, and staff, often serving after hours and responding to urgent pastoral care needs. His willingness to be available when people needed support most demonstrated the deep compassion and commitment that have characterised his ministry.
In addition to his direct pastoral work, Jim has been a valued mentor and colleague. His wisdom, stories, experience, and gentle guidance have enriched the lives of fellow chaplains and those privileged to work alongside him.
As Jim concludes his formal ministry at Whangārei Hospital, we give thanks for the care, kindness, and faithfulness he has shown over the past fifteen years. His contribution has left a lasting impact on the hospital community and on the many people he has supported throughout their healthcare journeys.
We also extend our warmest wishes to Jim and his wife, Yvonne, as they begin this new chapter of life together.
Jim (in the black jacket and bright shirt!) together with chaplaincy colleagues and hospital staff.
Looking Ahead
While we will greatly miss Jim's presence, we are pleased to affirm that the Whangārei chaplaincy team remains strong and committed to serving the hospital community. Our chaplains continue to provide compassionate pastoral, spiritual, and emotional support to patients, families, whānau, and staff, ensuring this important ministry remains available to all who need it.
We thank Jim for his remarkable service and for the legacy of care and compassion he leaves behind.