Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Muirhead, James

Teacher, spiritual director, consultor Pro-nunciature; born Melbourne, 3 July 1922; died Melbourne, 28 March 2016, aged 93.

James Muirhead was born to Edmund and Martha, the middle of three children. He suffered from a week chest, which required him staying with the Loreto Sisters at Portland for some time. His secondary education was at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, St Christopher's, Manuka, ACT, and St Kevin's CBC, Toorak, 1933-38. After a year studying commerce at The University of Melbourne in 1941, he joined the Society at Watsonia, Victoria, 1942. After the noviciate, and juniorate in 1944, philosophy followed, 1945-47. Regency was at St Louis School, Perth, 1948-50, teaching and editing the school magazine, The Eagle. He was also a prefect of discipline.

Theology studies was at Canisius College, Pymble, NSW, 1951-54, and he was ordained at St Mary's Church, North Sydney, by Bishop Patrick Lyons. Tertianship with Father Henry Johnston was at Sevenhill, 1957. He was admitted to the four vows, 2 February 1981.

His first ministry was at Belloc House, Kew, as director of the Institute of Social Order. Here he lectured in sociology, 1955-56. This was at a very fractious time in Australian political history when The Movement broke away from the Australian Labor Party to form the Democratic Labor Party out of fears of Communist infiltration. Muirhead was a confidant to the Catholic leaders involved and ministered to them to their final days.

After suffering the effects of a serious motor bike accident, he was appointed minister at Loyola College, Watsonia, 1958-59, followed by chaplain at the Catholic library, Hobart, 1960-61, while residing at Mount St Canice, Lower Sandy Bay, Tasmania.

Muirhead returned to teaching religion, English and biblical studies at various times at St Patrick's College, 1962-68, while also spiritual director to the students, and editing the college magazine, The Patrician. He was also director of the Sodality of Our Lady.

When St Patrick's College closed, he accompanied the remaining students to Xavier College in 1969, teaching religion and English. The closure of the college in 1968 and subsequent demolition embittered him. He remained the focus for Old Patricians who revered him as their chaplain from 1962-1981. They honoured him at his vigil service and Requiem Mass.

He returned to Loyola College, Watsonia, 1970-73, and then to Canisius College, Pymble, 1974-79, and the provincial residence, 1980-81, directing the province spiritual exercises network.

Completely different work followed in Canberra, ACT, while living at Xavier House, 1982-88, working as secretary to the conference of major clerical superiors and as a consultant at the Pro-nunciature. For this he was awarded a papal honour. He was superior of Xavier House, 1985-88.

The rest of his active apostolic life was directing the spiritual exercises, first at Canisius College, Pymble, 1989-1991, then Sevenhill, South Australia, 1992-96, and Campion House, 1997-2007. This ministry of the Spiritual Exercises was his lifelong devotion. He roamed far and wide on his motorbike giving retreats and spiritual direction over much of the country. One of his specialities was producing tapes of music to match each week of the Exercises.

As his health declined his life was dedicated to the 'Ministry of Prayer' at Campion, until his death at Mary MacKillop residence for the aged, Hawthorn East.

Colleague, Father Horvat reflected that Muirhead was appreciated for his good humour, approachability, and gift for storytelling, and was staunchly loyal to the Church. His declining health frequently put him at odds with other people, but he died peacefully with family gathered round him in prayer.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)