Rev. James J. Chepponis

The Reverend James J. “Chip” Chepponis

A renowned liturgical composer whose works were used internationally, including for papal Masses, he entered into the presence of the Lord on Ash Wednesday February 18, 2026, aged 69.

Fr. Jim was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mildred Chepponis. Beloved brother of Michael Cheponis and Linda (Michael J.) Bond. Loving uncle of Melissa Cheponis and Lauren Bond. Fr. Jim was cherished by many family, friends, and parishioners.

He received his bachelor's degree in music from St. Fidelis College/Slippery Rock University, with a major in organ and a minor in voice. He earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Systematic Theology at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. His first published composition, “Magnificat,” was released prior to his ordination to the priesthood in 1985. The piece he wrote for that Pittsburgh ordination Mass, “Go Up to the Altar of God,” is now used across the United States and internationally.

Another of his best-known compositions, “Festival Alleluia,” was commissioned for a 1999 Mass of Pope John Paul II in St. Louis. All three subsequent popes have also had his music at their Masses.

Fr.Jim faithfully served the Diocese of Pittsburgh by providing music for diocesan liturgies, directing the Diocesan Choir, coordinating the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, leading the Director of Music Ministries Division, and serving as a music resource for parishes throughout the diocese. Through his ministry, he enriched the Church’s worship and helped countless faithful pray through sacred song.

At the same time, he continued in parish ministry, where he was known for compelling preaching and compassionate pastoral outreach.

Fr. Jim served as a parochial vicar at Saint Albert the Great Parish, Saint Paul Cathedral Parish, Saint Catherine of Sweden Parish, and Saint Malachy Parish. In 1996, he was named the director of the Diocesan Office for Music, a position he held until his death. In 2003, he was named pastor of Saint John Capistran Parish. In 2018, he became senior parochial vicar at Saint John Capistran and Saint Thomas More parishes. Following their merger, in 2021, he was named senior parochial vicar of the newly-created Resurrection Parish, a position he held until his passing.

Family and friends are welcome Sunday, February 22, from 1PM-7PM at St. John Capistran Church (Resurrection Parish)1610 McMillan Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241; Sunday concludes with the Office of the Dead, Evening Prayer at 7:00PM. Visitation also from 9AM-11AM on Monday February 23, at St. Thomas More Church (Resurrection Parish), 126 Fort Couch Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM with Bishop Mark A. Eckman, D.D. officiating. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Fr. Jim Chepponis’ name may be made to the ‘Father James J. Chepponis Fund for Music Ministry,’ an endowment that perpetuates the role of liturgical music throughout the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Contributions may be sent using the QR code at the bottom of the obituary page, via this link: Donate: Fr. James J. Chepponis Fund for Music Ministry, or by mailing donations to Julie Seavy, The Catholic Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh, 2900 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.

Arrangements Entrusted to FREYVOGEL - SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 112 Fort Couch Rd. Bethel Park. 412-835-1860.

www.slaterfuneral.com