Fr. Fred Joseph Nijem

Freddie Joseph “Fr. Fred” Nijem, 83, passed away peacefully at his home, on May 16, 2026.

Born on July 29, 1942, in Valdosta, Georgia, Fr. Fred dedicated his life to faith, service, and the care of others. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and Valdosta High School before beginning his seminary training at St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas. He later completed his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.

In addition to earning degrees in philosophy and theology, Fr. Fred received a Master of Education degree from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1968 in his home parish by Bishop Gerard Frey.

Fr. Fred began his ministry in Savannah, Georgia, serving as Moderator of St. Pius X High School. He was later appointed pastor of Benedict the Moor Parish in Savannah. In 1981, he was transferred to St. Teresa’s Parish in Albany, Georgia, where he faithfully served as pastor.

Following a brief sabbatical, Fr. Fred was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robins in 1991. In 2008, he was elevated to Monsignor in recognition of his faithful service and dedication to the Church. He remained at Sacred Heart Catholic Church until his retirement in June 2019, faithfully shepherding the parish and touching countless lives through his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God and his community. Even after retirement, he continued serving as Pastor Emeritus at Sacred Heart and assisted parishes in need of weekend ministry.

Fr. Fred also devoted his retirement years to volunteer work with the Daybreak Homeless Shelter in Macon and Heart of Georgia Hospice in Warner Robins, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Josephine Nijem, and his brothers, William Nijem, M.D., and Richard Nijem, M.D.

Fr. Fred is survived by his sister-in-law, Claudia Nijem; nieces and nephews, April Scruggs (Ferrell), Tommy Nijem (Meredith), Alyson Lerstang (Kim), Bill Nijem (Joanna), and Summer Watt (Brian).

Fr. Fred wished to be remembered through the words of his mentor, Fr. Eugene Walsh, S.S.:

“Go to my people, become one of them. Identify with them. Show them and tell them how much I love them. Give yourselves for them. Gather them together and bring them back to me.”

These words reflected the heart of Fr. Fred’s priestly ministry and the legacy of faith, love, and humility he leaves behind.

A Rosary will be said on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a visitation following until 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Fred will be laid to rest in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Father Fred Nijem to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 S. Davis Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31088, Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31088, or Daybreak Homeless Shelter, 174 Walnut St., Macon, GA 31201.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Facebook page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.