Msgr. Healy devoted his life to the service of Almighty God and his fellow human beings. He was first a dedicated priest who attended to the spiritual and other needs of his parishioners and those who sought his counsel. As a teacher and educator, he taught economics and its relationship to labor relations. As an arbitrator, mediator and Chairman of the New York State Mediation Board, he preserved contractual rights, stabilized and emphasized the continuing relationship of collective bargaining and worked to provide the Board with the best service to assist parties with arbitration, collective bargaining and education. He maintained an even-handed approach to labor relations with labor and management, but was very much a champion of working people. In this same vein, he was a strong supporter and participant in the St. Joseph Guild, whose purpose includes honoring deserving workers.
Msgr. Healy, by example, taught and encouraged an understanding of the American economic system and positive labor relations. In his memory and in order to honor the principles for which he stood, the Msgr. James A. Healy Foundation, Inc. was established in 1992.
