After 10 years of working at Saint Louis University, A. James Blumeyer, S.J., vice president for University Mission and Ministry, is retiring.

“I think it is time for somebody else to come in who has new energy and new ideas,” said Blumeyer.

Known as “Jimmy” to all of his friends and family, Blumeyer was born and raised in St. Louis. He graduated from Saint Louis University High School in 1949 and then attended SLU.

In 1963, he was ordained and began work on his doctoral studies in education at SLU. Blumeyer then received a job at Rockhurst College, in Kansas City, as Director of Campus Ministry and eventually worked up to Academic Dean.

Blumeyer stayed with Rockhurst until 1992 when he returned to SLU as the rector of the Jesuit Community and in June of 1993 he became the vice president for University Mission and Ministry.

Blumeyer is not completely retiring but instead planning to go to Rockhurst College and work on programs related to admissions spirituality.

One of the projects that Blumeyer believes to be his greatest accomplishment is that of Shared Vision. Shared Vision is where faculty and staff are integrated into the tradition and mission of SLU through religious meetings and conferences.

“It has been a very popular program with the faculty and staff. Over 2,000 of them now are participating,” said Blumeyer.

Though no replacement has yet to be announced, Blumeyer believes that the most important aspect of his job is to remember to keep the focus on others’ needs.