Sister James Francis Mulligan, SSJ was born in Meadville, PA. She attended St. Brigid Elementary School and St. Agatha High School in Meadville. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Villa Maria College, Erie, and went on to earn a master’s from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 31, 1947, from her home parish, St. Brigid, Meadville, PA. She professed her final vows in 1953. Sister James Francis helped educate thousands of students throughout the Erie Diocese. She taught at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Holy Rosary, St. Andrew, and Villa Maria Elementary schools, all in Erie. She also taught at St. Mark Seminary, Villa Maria Academy, and for 32 years at Cathedral Prep in Erie. Outside of Erie, she taught at St. Leo High School in Ridgway, PA. Many former students affectionately know her as “Sr. Jim.” In addition, she taught at Villa Maria College and Gannon University. Sister James Francis received many honors, including the Erie Deanery’s Teacher Hallmark Award. In 2007, she was honored for 60 years of service in Catholic Education and as the Serra Club’s Outstanding Woman Religious. In 2006, she received a Papal Cross for exemplary work for the Church and the Pope. In addition, she was inducted into the Cathedral Prep Hall of Fame in 2002. She also served her congregation as assistant superior and councilor for spiritual life, finances, and treasurer.