| Name | Mar James Pazhayattil |
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1934 |
| Priestly Ordination | 3 October 1961 |
| Episcopal Ordination | 10 September 1978 |
| Installation | 10 September 1978 |
| Retirement | 18 April 2010 |
| Died | 10 July 2016 |
Mar James Pazhayattil was born at Puthenchira on July 26th 1934. After Matriculation at Rural High School, Thumboor, he joined St. Mary’s Minor Seminary at Thope, Thrissur in the year 1952. He had his Major Seminary studies in Kandy and Poona, and distingushed himself with high ranks at the Licentiate level both in philosophy and Theology.
He was ordained priest by His Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracias on October 3rd, 1961. Then he secured his master degree in English Literature from St Thomas College, Thrissur. While he was working as lecturer and hostel warden at St.Thomas College, he was nominated the first Bishop of the new eparchy of Irinjalakuda on June 22nd, 1978.
He received Episcopal Ordination from His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Parecattil on September 10th, 1978 at Irinjalakuda and took charge of the eparchy on the same day with the motto: Restaurare Omnia in Christo. From June 7th, 1995 to January 18th, 1997, the Holy See appointed him assistant to the Major Archbishop Mar Antony Cardinal Padiyara. He has also served the church as the secretary of KCBC and as Chairman/Member of the several Commissions of CBCI, KCBC and the Syro-Malabar Synod consecutively. He placed unbounded trust in divine providence and worked untiringly and punctually for the people of God committed to him. After the long period of efficient leadership as the Eparchial Bishop, His Excellency retired from the office on 18th April 2010. He spent his retired life residing at St. Paul's Minor Seminary. On 10th July 2016 that holy life left this earthly abode to receive the eternal reward. On 13th July 2016 his body was laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Chapel of St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda.
