Posted August 25, 2026

Reverend James E. Locke, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Cornelius Parish, Chadds Ford died on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Father Locke was born on November 22, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late John Allen Locke and the late Lenore Walrath. Father Locke attended Saint Martin, Saint Joachim and Saint Bartholomew Parochial School, Philadelphia, and Saint Joseph College High School, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Locke was ordained on May 13, 1961, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Most Reverend John J Krol. Father Locke served as Parochial Vicar, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Philadelphia; Our Lady of Victory Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia. He served as Pastor, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Philadelphia; Holy Cross Parish, Philadelphia; and in 1993 he was appointed Pastor, Saint Cornelius Paris, Chadds Ford, and was named Pastor Emeritus in July 2004.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Cornelius Church, Chadds Ford, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM followed by a viewing. Most Reverend Edward Deliman will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Concelebrants are: Reverend Monsignor David E. Diamond, Reverend Monsignor Richard Bolger, and Reverend Joseph Quindlen will be the homilist.

Father Locke is survived by his nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, Pennsylvania.