Tributes have been paid to a “kind” and “caring” Priest who, with a background in farm management, was responsible for installing one of Northern Ireland’s first Digesters back in the 1980s.
Rev. Father Jim Conlon originally hailed from Portglenone, Co Antrim where he had dedicated himself to the worship of God in a “hidden life” within the monastery, characterised by “silence and solitude, assiduous prayer, and joyful penitence” in Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey.
Fr Jim was the former farm manager of the Monastery farmyard and according to Facebook page ‘Photos of Portglenone’, he had played a crucial part.
Paying tribute to Fr Jim’s remarkable life, they said: “I was saddened to hear this evening of the death today of Fr. Jim Conlon from Lisadian, Co. Armagh and formerly of Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey, Portglenone.
“Fr. Jim was the former farm manager and the main man in bringing an Ingenious Micro-Eco-System or Digester for short, to the Monastery farmyard back in the 1980s, this was the first of its kind in the country back then, more or less the fore runner for the many Digester’s in the country today.”
Many who had the fortune of attending the Monastery farmyard were made to feel welcome by Fr Jim’s joyous demeanour.
According to Photos of Portglenone people travelled from “all over the world” to see the digester in those early days, and each and every one was brought in with open arms.
In later life, Fr Jim made his way to Co Armagh, to the townland of Lisadian.
He passed away peacefully on Wednesday (March 4) in the loving care of the staff of Greenpark Nursing Home.
Fr Jim made many a friend in Armagh and kept his companions in Greenpark Nursing Home in constant chat and good humour.
Said one person: “RIP to the loveliest, kind wee gentleman. You will be sadly missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time. RIP Jim.”
Another added: “Rest in peace Jim. Such a gentleman, had the pleasure of getting to know him in Greenpark. Xx.”
A death notice described him as the loving son of the late David and Sarah, dear brother of David, John, Patrick, Eveleen, Patricia, the late Arthur, Lily and Mary.
A Funeral service will be held on Friday at The Church of The Immaculate Conception Tullysaran for 11am Mass with burial afterwards in Old Tullysaran Cemetery.
