Obituary for James Joseph "Br. Charles" Lentz Jr.
James Lentz, Jr. of Slinger passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 after a long-fought battle of diabetes and kidney failure at age of 42. James was born on September 30, 1978, in Brookfield, WI to James & the late Dianne Lentz.
Big brother to Sister Catherine, TOR (Angela), Steve (Carolyn), & Father Anthony, OFM (Dominic). Uncle to Timothy, Sean, & Benjamin. Honorary Uncle to Grace, Lucy, David, Abigail, Bridget, Cecilia, Evelyn, & Gordon as well as a Godfather to many other souls.
As the eldest to three siblings (who all stepped up to the plate in challenging him), James developed quite the skillset as a leader, mentor, and friend.
Starting at an early age, James began to entertain others. After teaching himself how to play the keyboard, he rarely resisted the opportunity to play and arrange a sing-along.
After graduating at the age of sixteen from Our Lady of the Rosary School in Milwaukee in 1995, James took some time off from furthering his education. He later graduated from Bryant & Stratton College with a degree in Business Management.
In the winter of 1996, his mother came across an audition notice in the newspaper for the Milwaukee Players Production of Oliver! He was cast in the chorus and thus began his journey into the world of theater.
For several years, James wore many hats – some were for a costume, others for working behind the scenes. In 2001, he wore the hat as director for the first time for a children’s show, Greensleeves’ Magic with Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa Children’s Theater.
Over the next several years, James continued to direct shows for various community theater groups in Wisconsin. His first musical was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2007 for the West Allis Players. Two years later, for the same theater group, he directed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. In 2010, James reached the pinnacle of his directing career when he directed “Oliver” for the Patio Players. The quality of the show was such that its producer said they would never do the show again because this production could never be topped. This was a true testament to James’ skill as a director and visionary.
While many will remember James for his accomplishments in theater, his involvement in his Catholic Faith is the greatest contribution to his legacy. As the son of the choir director of Our Lady of the Rosary, James had a deep love for Gregorian Chant and other liturgical music. He spent many years studying music and Church History. As a result, he went on to arrange and even compose some liturgical hymns.
He also had a knack for teaching and used that skill to start a children’s magazine for the Catholic Youth known as The Cherub.
James was also a devoted member of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi for over twenty years.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Dianne, his brother, Timothy, his paternal grandparents, Joseph & Madeline, and his maternal grandparents, Carl & Martha.
He had a truly kind heart and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The Blessing of St. Francis
The Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.
The Lord bless you!
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by the Holy Rosary at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend. (262)338-2050).
The Requiem Mass will be offered on Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church. The Church is located at 4088 W. Memorial Dr., Waubeka, WI, 53021.
Donations for Masses for the repose of the Soul of James Lentz, Jr. should be mailed to Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 206. Waubeka, WI, 53021.
Big brother to Sister Catherine, TOR (Angela), Steve (Carolyn), & Father Anthony, OFM (Dominic). Uncle to Timothy, Sean, & Benjamin. Honorary Uncle to Grace, Lucy, David, Abigail, Bridget, Cecilia, Evelyn, & Gordon as well as a Godfather to many other souls.
As the eldest to three siblings (who all stepped up to the plate in challenging him), James developed quite the skillset as a leader, mentor, and friend.
Starting at an early age, James began to entertain others. After teaching himself how to play the keyboard, he rarely resisted the opportunity to play and arrange a sing-along.
After graduating at the age of sixteen from Our Lady of the Rosary School in Milwaukee in 1995, James took some time off from furthering his education. He later graduated from Bryant & Stratton College with a degree in Business Management.
In the winter of 1996, his mother came across an audition notice in the newspaper for the Milwaukee Players Production of Oliver! He was cast in the chorus and thus began his journey into the world of theater.
For several years, James wore many hats – some were for a costume, others for working behind the scenes. In 2001, he wore the hat as director for the first time for a children’s show, Greensleeves’ Magic with Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa Children’s Theater.
Over the next several years, James continued to direct shows for various community theater groups in Wisconsin. His first musical was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2007 for the West Allis Players. Two years later, for the same theater group, he directed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. In 2010, James reached the pinnacle of his directing career when he directed “Oliver” for the Patio Players. The quality of the show was such that its producer said they would never do the show again because this production could never be topped. This was a true testament to James’ skill as a director and visionary.
While many will remember James for his accomplishments in theater, his involvement in his Catholic Faith is the greatest contribution to his legacy. As the son of the choir director of Our Lady of the Rosary, James had a deep love for Gregorian Chant and other liturgical music. He spent many years studying music and Church History. As a result, he went on to arrange and even compose some liturgical hymns.
He also had a knack for teaching and used that skill to start a children’s magazine for the Catholic Youth known as The Cherub.
James was also a devoted member of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi for over twenty years.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Dianne, his brother, Timothy, his paternal grandparents, Joseph & Madeline, and his maternal grandparents, Carl & Martha.
He had a truly kind heart and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The Blessing of St. Francis
The Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.
The Lord bless you!
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by the Holy Rosary at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend. (262)338-2050).
The Requiem Mass will be offered on Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church. The Church is located at 4088 W. Memorial Dr., Waubeka, WI, 53021.
Donations for Masses for the repose of the Soul of James Lentz, Jr. should be mailed to Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 206. Waubeka, WI, 53021.