Biography: Bishop-elect James Misko

Bishop-elect Misko was born in California and raised in Austin, Texas, where he has lived most of his life.  He attended St. Louis King of France Catholic School in Austin, a parish at which he would one day become the pastor, and St. Edward’s University in Austin receiving B.A. in Communications.  Upon graduation, Bishop-elect Misko worked in the restaurant industry for several years as General Manager and eventually Managing Partner.  

He entered seminary at the age of 30 and, after earning a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology at the University of St. Thomas and St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Bishop-elect Misko was ordained a priest by Archbishop Gregory Aymond on June 9, 2007.  He was appointed parochial vicar of St. Elizabeth in Pflugerville and thereafter served as pastor of Christ the King in Belton, Texas and St. Louis King of France in Austin, Texas.

Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez appointed Bishop-elect Misko as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Austin on January 21, 2019. He is a member of the College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Diocese of Austin Finance Council, Austin Pension Plan and Trust Committee, Diocese of Austin School Advisory Board, Priestly Life and Formation Committee, Priest Personnel Board, and the Diocesan Building Commission. He is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and served for several years as the Legatus chaplain for the Diocese of Austin. 

Upon the installation of Archbishop Vásquez to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on March 25, 2025, Bishop-elect Misko was elected Diocesan Administrator by the College of Consultors, a group of priests appointed by the diocesan bishop to advise and assist him in governing the diocese, particularly when the see is vacant. 

Upon the installation of Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia as the sixth bishop of Austin, Bishop-elect Misko was reappointed as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. 
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop-elect Misko the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tucson on December 22, 2025, and his ordination will take place at St. Augustine Cathedral on February 20, 2026.

His mother, Gerri Misko (his father Tom Misko, deceased), sister Mary Kay Martinez and husband Jesus Toro Martinez live in San Antonio, Texas and his brother John Misko lives in California.   Bishop-elect Misko is an avid golfer and enjoys, cycling, traveling, gardening, cooking and visiting local restaurants and coffee houses.