Tributes have been flooding in for the remarkable life of one of the “kindest and most caring” bus drivers, so loved by the school children he ferried that he was often invited to their weddings in later years.
Known by his employer, Grange Bus Hire, as the “ultimate bus man”, Jim McAneney sadly passed away on the morning of Friday (May 8) following a short and “most dignified fight against recent illness”.
Devastated by their loss, Grange Bus Hire penned an emotional tribute to the remarkable driver whom they called a friend.
Said the company: “To us, he was a very good friend, a mentor, and someone that could be relied on to help in any circumstance, to give good advice and for the safe transport of all our customers at all times. He was super reliable at all times and a man you benefited greatly from having on your team.
“Jim was Jim,” they said. “Always punctual, always prepared (with flask of tea, multiple tea bags, packed lunch, and small portable radio), and always willing to do what was asked of him to the very best of his ability.
“His buses were always kept spotlessly clean, as often commented on by other bus men and passengers. He had a huge appetite for work and just loved being a bus driver. He loved meeting people and seeing different places.”
Jim held values rarely seen today. He knew that his role carried a level of responsibility for the safety of those who travelled under his care and he went above and beyond to ensure all were looked after.
Of his warmth and traditional gentlemanly values, they added: “He was the most decent of men, old fashioned in some respects especially toward ladies and younger girls travelling. He would try and get them dropped as close to home as he could. He would wait those extra minutes to ensure they were collected safely after late nights.”
Beyond Grange Bus Hire, Jim also drove the “yellow school buses” for the Education Authority for decades.
His work there saw him transport local school children from Caledon, Collegeland, Madden, Ballyhegan, Grange and other Armagh areas “for generations”.
Of this, Grange Bus Hire said: “He formed close bonds that lasted with the children and their families, even being invited to their weddings”.
In his personal life, Jim was a “huge” Liverpool fan. So proud of the club was Jim that he put their scarf “proudly on permanent display on his school bus for many years”.
“He tortured all of us non-Liverpool fans, but especially the Man Utd fans!” said Grange Bus Hire.
“He was a huge follower of Armagh GAA, never prouder than when they won the All-Ireland final in 2024,” they continued. “This was a memorable day for our drivers. We had four bus loads of friends, family and supporters that went to Dublin that day. Jim and all drivers had the best of days together savouring the atmosphere and camaraderie that day. He loved the bus chat with other drivers when on away days together.”
Above all, the company say he was first and foremost a “strong family man”, who loved his family deeply. He talked of Mary, Stephen, Neill, his daughters-in-law Rachel and Carla, and his much loved grandchildren endlessly and proudly, they said.
They were “his world” and everything he did, he did with them in mind.
“Thank you for the friendship Jim. You will truly and sadly be missed by us all. May you be at peace, navigating us all from above,” finished his heartbroken colleagues.
Similarly, he committee and members of St Colmcilles GFC shared their sympathies and heartache.
The club described Jim as the loving husband to Mary and devoted father to their main sponsor and past player, Stephen and under age coach, Neil.
Said the club: “Jim was a highly respected member of our senior team management and known by many around our club.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. To his wife Mary, his sons Stephen and Neil, his daughters-in-law Rachel and Carla, grandchildren Holly, Emily, Sophie, Edith and Remi we extend our heartfelt sympathies.”
As a mark of respect all club activity has been suspended this weekend. A Darkness into Light walk will proceed as planned, and all are invited to join as they “remember Jim and show our support for the McAneney family”.
Funeral arrangements to follow.
