Loyola Community Gathers to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Br. James Small, SJ

The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, with Fr. Arkadiusz Ciemiega, SJ, Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, and Rev. Theodore Munz, SJ, concelebrating. In a fitting reflection of Br. Small’s far-reaching impact, members of the Rambler community helped bring the liturgy to life, including Shelby Walchuk ’05, who offered the call to worship; Karla Akemann ’00 and Jim Cleland, a former Loyola teacher, who proclaimed the readings; G.R. Kearney ’95, who shared a heartfelt reflection; and longtime Loyola coach and educator Stan Breitzman, who led the Prayers of the Faithful.

Together, they helped create a celebration marked by gratitude, prayer, and deep affection for a Jesuit brother whose life was inseparable from the history and heart of Loyola Academy.

In their reflections, alumni Shelby Walchuk ’05 and G.R. Kearney ’95 remembered Br. Small not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel. He cared for Loyola in countless humble and practical ways, often quietly and without fanfare, and offered his time and attention with uncommon generosity. G.R. recalled eating lunch with Br. Small as a student and being struck by the way Br. Small always welcomed him, never making him feel like a bother. In these simple, faithful encounters, Br. Small embodied the spirit of cura personalis, helping generations of Ramblers feel seen, valued, and loved.

Br. Small came to Loyola in 1969 as a carpenter after previously serving as a Chicago police officer. Over the decades that followed, his hands and heart shaped far more than the physical spaces of the school. A gifted painter, teacher and craftsman, he shared his artistic talents generously with generations of students, colleagues, alumni and friends. His paintings became beloved fixtures at the Ramble and other fundraising events, raising more than $1 million for tuition assistance and helping open Loyola’s doors to countless students. Br. Small’s life reflected the Ignatian call to faith, service and love, and reminded those who knew him what it means to be women and men for others.

As the community gathered in prayer and remembrance, one truth was clear: Br. Small’s legacy continues to live on in the students he formed, the beauty he created, the generosity he inspired and the Loyola community he loved so deeply.

Those who wish to honor Br. Small are invited to make a gift to the Br. James Small, SJ, Fund for Advancing Excellence in the Arts, which will continue his legacy and support the fine arts at Loyola, ensuring the continuation and evolution of essential arts programming and opportunities for current students.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam.