Fr. James Kurzynski is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin and a hobby astronomer. Originally from the small town of Amherst in rural central Wisconsin, Fr. James completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, majoring in Applied Music (Saxophone, Voice, and Composition). After graduating from UW-SP, Fr. James worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a Hall Director and pursued an M.S.Ed. in Group Counseling. After a year at UNK, Fr. James left his position to attend the University of Saint Mary of the Lake - Mundelein Seminary to discern his priestly vocation. He was ordained in 2003 and is currently the pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Menomonie, Wisconsin and Saint Luke Parish in Boyceville, Wisconsin. In addition to these assignments, Fr. James is also the Chaplain of StoutCatholic, a student outreach organization to the students of the University of Wisconsin–Stout, and teaches Philosophy for the Diocese of La Crosse’s Permanent Deaconate Program.