Fr. Amidon, SJ, was Iowa City native

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Father Philip Amidon, SJ, an Iowa City native, died May 13 at the Creighton University Jesuit community in Omaha. He was 76 years old.

Fr. Amidon

He was born on Aug. 22, 1943, in Chicago, raised in Iowa and graduated from Regina Catholic High School in Iowa City. He entered the Society of Jesus on Sept. 1, 1961, at Jesuit College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. He was ordained on May 18, 1974, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City, and took final vows on Aug. 15, 1987, at St. John’s Church in Omaha.

While in the Society, Phil earned a bachelor’s degree (1967), a master’s degree (1968) and a licentiate degree (1968) in philosophy from St. Louis University. He earned a doctorate in philosophy with a specialty in early Christian literature from Oxford University in 1979.

During regency, he taught English at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. After doctoral studies, he returned to Sogang University to teach English and theology. In 1981, he was missioned to teach at Creighton University. He also served the society in internal governance. He moved to Rome to serve as secretary to the USA regional assistant to the Father General. Father Amidon returned to the U.S. to work at Creighton University (and St. John Parish), where he remained until his death. At Creighton, he was a campus minister,

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theology professor, law school chaplain and chaplain in Kiewit residence hall. Father Amidon retired in 2017.

A memorial service was held May 19 at St. John Church in Omaha. His body has been donated to science. Memorials may be sent to the Creighton University Scholarship Fund.


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2 thoughts on “Fr. Amidon, SJ, was Iowa City native

  1. Thank you for letting me know about Rev Phil,Amedon’s passing
    We were so sorry to hear the news .
    Thank you for sending out the notice, Virgini
    May he Rest In Peace!
    Mary Jo Rocca Regina High, class of 1961

  2. Where is Phil’s Iowa City family? His mom and dad and any siblings?

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