James J. Dressman, S.J. was born in Covington, KY, the fourth of five children. He entered the Jesuits in 1948 with degrees in Philosophy from West Baden College and Latin from Loyola University. In 1956 he began a 41 year ministry in Nepal.

His experiences included teaching scripture, minister and rector at the high school level, superior of the Jesuits in Nepal, and retreat leader and spiritual director. His ministry also included serving as the wine-maker for the Mass wine, making it from raisins.

Father Jim served as the Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas from 1997 to 2007.