Beechcraft Debonair: Former Scranton, Pennsylvania, bishop still serving diocese, flying planes

Though he no longer leads the Diocese of Scranton's 365,000 Catholics, the Most Rev. James C. Timlin is still soaring.

But because the 84-year-old bishop emeritus wants to continue his more than 50-year hobby of flying small planes, he will soon undergo surgery to correct a heart murmur that could ground him if he fails a physical required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

"My whole life is one big, long difficulty, but I'm an optimist," said the Most Rev. Timlin, who usually manages to take his 46-year-old Beechcraft Debonair up into the heavens once a week. He said he will have the heart surgery to be in the best health possible for his physical.

"You take it as it comes," he said. "Address the problem, do what you can and leave it in the hands of God. Here I am, looking at open heart surgery and being an optimist about it."

The Most Rev. Timlin served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Scranton from 1976 to 1984 and was installed as the eighth bishop of Scranton in 1984, a title he held until retiring in 2003. He then served as administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Wilkes-Barre for several months. For the past five years, the Most Rev. Timlin has lived at Villa St. Joseph in Dunmore, where he took on several roles at the home for retired priests. The Most Rev. Timlin was a rector at the villa, leaving that position six months ago.

The Most Rev. Timlin will celebrate his 85th birthday this summer. His father and mother are deceased, along with his two sisters. He has no immediate family.

But, he said, he has been blessed with a full life and has many memories that help define who he is today. The Most Rev. Timlin's room at Villa St. Joseph tells the stories of his life through the dozens of photographs, plaques and mementos displayed on his walls.

Reflecting on the well-traveled road leading to his ordination in Rome in 1952, the Most Rev. Timlin recalled his decision to become a priest when he was only 17. Making the choice to give up having a wife, children or grandchildren of his own was not an easy one, he said. But by standing firm, he was able to be a servant to God and the Diocese.

"This is something that you give up all the time," the Most Rev. Timlin said. "(Family) is a great gift God has given to us."

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, appointed the 10th Bishop of Scranton in 2010, said he admired his predecessor for developing "deep and loving relationships with those whom he served" and for continuing to serve the Diocese.

"Bishop Timlin's willingness to help with special Masses, including Confirmation Masses, is a sign of his continued dedication to this sacred ministry," the Most Rev. Bambera wrote in a statement. "His consistent pastoral presence is also a reminder to me of the privilege we share to serve in our home diocese."

Source:  http://thetimes-tribune.com