J.J. Mueller, S.J.: 1945-2026

J.J. Mueller, S.J.: 1945-2026

John J. "J.J." Mueller, S.J. (A&S '69, Grad Ed '70), a longtime professor of theology, died March 5, 2026. He was 81 years old, a Jesuit for 62 years and a priest for 50 years.

Mueller graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Denver in 1963 and entered the Society of Jesus at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri, in 1963. He pronounced first vows in August 1965 and was ordained a priest in May 1975 at St. Francis Xavier College Church. He professed his final vows at St. Aloysius Church in Spokane, Washington, in May 1984.

Mueller devoted his life to teaching, beginning in 1970 with his assignment at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. After his ordination, he taught theology at Gonzaga University for five years before coming to Saint Louis University.

He taught at SLU from 1984-2013, except for brief stints as a visiting chair of theology at St. Joseph's Scholasticate of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Cedara, South Africa, and as the honorary Flannery Chair of Theology at Gonzaga. At SLU, he was chair of the Department of Theological Studies from 1997-2003.

"I met Fr. Mueller - J.J. to his friends and colleagues - during my campus interview as an inexperienced graduate student. He was department chair at the time and proved a kind host who put me at ease," said Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Ph.D., the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professor of theological studies. "As a colleague he was supportive and encouraging. What he loved most was working with undergraduate students. His work on the Theological Foundations textbook touched many students, many of whom still contact me today to comment how much that course - and especially the textbook - helped them on their faith journey. J.J. would be very happy to hear this. He is missed."

Grant Kaplan, Ph.D., associate chair of theological studies, said, "Fr. Mueller was a dedicated teacher, renowned scholar and dear colleague who served the University and the Department of Theological Studies in a variety of ways during his nearly thirty years as a professor here. Fr. J.J. was most appreciated for his warm, pastoral demeanor and the personal care he showed to colleagues and students."

Mueller's specialty was theological method. He was instrumental in conceiving the video project that resulted in SLU's Shared Vision: Jesuit Spirit in Education, designed to help lay colleagues understand the Jesuit spirituality and history that give direction to the mission of education.

"I am deeply grateful for the time I spent with J.J. over the years at SLU," said Daniel Finucane, Ph.D., professor of theological studies. "On the handball court and in seminars discussing Lonergan and Tracy, he drew the best out of me as he served as friend as mentor. His competitive edge and humor were both keen elements in his personal style and pedagogy. Grace operated in J.J.'s life and work, through his intellect and charm and smile. His approach was rooted in an ability to inspire and invite interaction and reflection at many levels. He is a friend and colleague I very much miss."

After his teaching career, Mueller spent several years developing his skills as a photographer. He became an official volunteer photographer at the Missouri Botanical Garden. He also photographed the stained-glass windows in the College Church and, with Tom Rochford, S.J., published a book about them, Saints in Glass.

Mueller eventually transitioned to pastoral ministry at Jesuit Hall until declining health led to his mission to pray for the Church and Society, first at Jesuit Hall and then at St. Ignatius Hall.

He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy and master's degree in historical theology at Saint Louis University. He studied theology at three schools: the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1973-74), the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California (1974-75) and Saint Louis University (1975-76), before he returned to Berkeley and its Graduate Theological Union for a Ph.D. in systematic and historical theology (1976-79).

Mueller is predeceased by his parents, John F. and Cecelia S. (Sullivan) Mueller, and his brother, Michael J. Mueller, S.J. He is survived by his brother Stephen F. Mueller, a former Jesuit of the Missouri Province, and sister, Cathy Mueller, S.L.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the chapel of St. Ignatius Hall, the Jesuit Community at Garden Villas North, in Florissant, Missouri, on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. At 9:45 a.m., just before Mass, Mueller's brother and sister will offer eulogies. Mueller will be buried at Calvary Cemetery directly after Mass. The eulogies and the Mass will be livestreamed at jesuits.family/fr-mueller-funeral.

Some information provided by the Jesuits Central and Southern Province