Born in Detroit, MI and grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky, the Reverend Canon Johnnie E. Ross comes to us with nearly 30 years of ordained experience. As a member of diocesan staff in both the dioceses of Rochester and Lexington (Kentucky). Canon Johnnie, as he prefers to be called, has served nearly half of his ministry as Canon to the Ordinary, Canon Missioner, Canon for Transitions, Dean for Small and Rural Churches, Dean for Pastoral Care and other positions appointed by several bishops.
On the parish level and before his ordination, Canon Johnnie began a Clown Ministry where he visited children in the hospital and showed up at parish children’s birthday parties, director of Christian Education, Senior Warden, vestry member, and Sunday School Superintendent. As an ordained priest, he has served a total of 7 parishes, at one point 3 parishes at one time. Retiring on April 1, 2025, as rector of Grace Church, Scottsville and St Andrew’s, Caledonia, NY. He came to New York in 2016 from St Raphael’s Episcopal Church, Lexington, KY.
Meeting 16 years ago, Julie Hale has been by his side nearly the entire time, and they married in 2015. If you’re curious about their story, ask either one of them, and they’ll gladly share it.
Julie is a retired Special Education Administrator who has 20 years of experience in the classroom prior to her 5 years as a district administrator. Before settling on teaching as a career, Julie was a professional firefighter for the city of Paris, Kentucky. There, she holds the distinction of being the first female paramedic for the City of Paris. Julie was born in eastern Kentucky (Elkhorn City), received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, K-8, at Transylvania University, and a Master’s in Special Education from Eastern Kentucky University.
She and Johnnie are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren (2 girls and 6 boys) and parents of a blended family of now 5 children, after the death of her oldest son in 2016.
Canon Johnnie and Julie are 6-year residents of the Village of Caledonia and are both excited about the time they will be spending with us. In addition to the many glowing comments on the parish and the people of St James, they said, “GO BILLS!” - both avid Buffalo Bill Fans with Canon Johnnie saying, “He has only ever been a fan of one professional football team, and that’s been the Buffalo Bills!” “I once prayed for God to increase my faith,” he added, “and by divine providence, I became a BILLS FAN.”
Canon Johnnie plans to serve as our interim until a more permanent priest is called. He can be reached by cell at (858)285-9361 or email at canonjohnnie@gmail.com
