September 6, 2026

James Driscoll, retired MCC Executive Director passes away.

REGIONAL
Staff Report

Scituate MA – James F. Driscoll of Scituate, Massachusetts, who served for 15 years as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 71, after a spirited battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He was the third of seven children born to John T. and Jean M. Driscoll. He was raised in Dorchester and St. Gregory’s Parish, and fondly recalled memories from his childhood on Clearwater Drive. He spent his summers in Scituate, where he later settled and raised his family, and attended Xaverian Brothers High School. After graduation, he spent four years at Providence College, where he was a fixture at the student pub (where he tended bar) or in the stands catching a hockey game.

Driscoll went on to receive his law degree from Suffolk University and enjoyed an interesting and varied career. He served in many roles as an attorney, including as General Counsel at the Massachusetts State Lottery and as Executive Director at the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, where he ended his career.

In his public-facing positions, he was counted on to provide counsel on difficult and sensitive issues. His reliability and sound judgment made him a trusted advisor to all who had the pleasure of working with him—from elected officials to senior Church leadership.

Archbishop Richard Henning, Archbishop of Boston, joined with Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne, Worcester Bishop Robert McManus and Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha issued a joint statement,

“Today we mourn the passing of James F. Driscoll, recently retired Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference. Appointed in 2011, Jim led the public policy ministry for the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts effectively for fifteen years before retiring earlier this year due to health considerations. He served with great dedication and was committed to the mission of the Church and its important public responsibility on a number of critical issues that impact the Catholic community and wider society. Jim was widely respected by his colleagues in dioceses across the country.” (full statement at the end of this article)

Driscoll was a pillar of his community. A man of service and faith, he coached youth sports teams, served as a lector during weekly Mass at St. Mary’s Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, or helping with countless other civic endeavors.

He was the loving father of four daughters, who survived him. Kelly J. Driscoll and partner Mike of Canton, Katie D. Buttaro and husband Andrew of Cohasset, Jenny A. Driscoll and partner Dave of Cambridge, and Molly J. MacDonald and her husband Sean of Cohasset. Jim (Jibby) was a cherished grandfather to Anna, Clare, and Madeline Buttaro; Ronan Sullivan; and Sophie MacDonald. He was a brother to Jack, Bill, Jean, Paul, Maureen, and Rob, and an uncle to their many children.

After learning that he had a rare cancer, he battled tirelessly against the daunting diagnosis. During this difficult time, his lifelong faith provided him with tremendous solace. He frequently spoke of faith and family in his final days.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary of the Nativity Church in Scituate on Friday, Sept.  4.

Those wishing to honor James Driscoll may make gifts to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in support of Dr. Ellis’s Cholangiocarcinoma Research. Gifts can be made online at giving.massgeneral.org. Please select “Make a Tribute,” or mail a contribution to Mass General Brigham Development, c/o Bell Camelo, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA, 02145. Checks should be payable to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, with “In Memory of Jim Driscoll” in the memo.

 

Statement by the Bishops of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference.

Today we mourn the passing of James F. Driscoll, recently retired Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference. Appointed in 2011, Jim led the public policy ministry for the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts effectively for fifteen years before retiring earlier this year due to health considerations. He served with great dedication and was committed to the mission of the Church and its important public responsibility on a number of critical issues that impact the Catholic community and wider society. Jim was widely respected by his colleagues in dioceses across the country. 

Before joining the MCC, Jim served for a number of years in state government in the General Counsel Offices for the State Auditor, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and State Treasurer. Jim was a graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School and Providence College, before earning his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University.

In particular, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Jim’s family, especially h

James F. Driscoll of Scituate, Massachusetts, who had served for 15 years as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 71, after a spirited battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family.

He was the third of seven children born to John T. and Jean M. Driscoll. He was raised in Dorchester and St. Gregory’s Parish, and fondly recalled memories from his childhood on Clearwater Drive. He spent his summers in Scituate, where he later settled and raised his family, and attended Xaverian Brothers High School. After graduation, he spent four years at Providence College, where he was a fixture at the student pub (where he tended bar) or in the stands catching a hockey game.

Driscoll went on to receive his law degree from Suffolk University and enjoyed an interesting and varied career. He served in many roles as an attorney, including as General Counsel at the Massachusetts State Lottery and as Executive Director at the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, where he ended his career.

In his public-facing positions, he was counted on to provide counsel on difficult and sensitive issues. His reliability and sound judgment made him a trusted advisor to all who had the pleasure of working with him—from elected officials to senior Church leadership.

Archbishop Richard Henning, Archbishop of Boston, joined with Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne, Worcester Bishop Robert McManus and Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha issued a joint statement,

“Today we mourn the passing of James F. Driscoll, recently retired Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference. Appointed in 2011, Jim led the public policy ministry for the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts effectively for fifteen years before retiring earlier this year due to health considerations. He served with great dedication and was committed to the mission of the Church and its important public responsibility on a number of critical issues that impact the Catholic community and wider society. Jim was widely respected by his colleagues in dioceses across the country.” (full statement at the end of this article)

Driscoll was a pillar of his community. A man of service and faith, he coached youth sports teams, served as a lector during weekly Mass at St. Mary’s Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, or helping with countless other civic endeavors.

He was the loving father of four daughters, who survived him. Kelly J. Driscoll and partner Mike of Canton, Katie D. Buttaro and husband Andrew of Cohasset, Jenny A. Driscoll and partner Dave of Cambridge, and Molly J. MacDonald and her husband Sean of Cohasset. Jim (Jibby) was a cherished grandfather to Anna, Clare, and Madeline Buttaro; Ronan Sullivan; and Sophie MacDonald. He was a brother to Jack, Bill, Jean, Paul, Maureen, and Rob, and an uncle to their many children.

After learning that he had a rare cancer, he battled tirelessly against the daunting diagnosis. During this difficult time, his lifelong faith provided him with tremendous solace. He frequently spoke of faith and family in his final days.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary of the Nativity Church in Scituate on Friday, September 4. Burial was private.

Those wishing to honor James Driscoll may make gifts to the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in support of Dr. Ellis’s Cholangiocarcinoma Research. Gifts can be made online at giving.massgeneral.org. Please select “Make a Tribute,” or mail a contribution to Mass General Brigham Development, c/o Bell Camelo, 399 Revolution Drive, Suite 1330, Somerville, MA, 02145. Checks should be payable to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, with “In Memory of Jim Driscoll” in the memo.

 

Statement by the Bishops of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference

Today we mourn the passing of James F. Driscoll, recently retired Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference. Appointed in 2011, Jim led the public policy ministry for the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts effectively for fifteen years before retiring earlier this year due to health considerations. He served with great dedication and was committed to the mission of the Church and its important public responsibility on a number of critical issues that impact the Catholic community and wider society. Jim was widely respected by his colleagues in dioceses across the country. 

Before joining the MCC, Jim served for a number of years in state government in the General Counsel Offices for the State Auditor, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission and State Treasurer. Jim was a graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School and Providence College, before earning his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University.

In particular, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Jim’s family, especially his four children who loved and greatly admired their dad. We remember in prayer today all who mourn his passing and ask the Lord to comfort them during this time of loss knowing in full confidence that Jim has gone home to God.

 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

+Most Reverend Richard G. Henning
Archbishop of Boston

+Most Reverend William D. Byrne 0
Bishop of Springfield

+ Most Reverend Robert J. McManus 
Bishop of Worcester

+Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha                     
Bishop of Fall River