Elected representatives from across Northern Ireland have come together to pay tribute to the life of devoted public servant and proud Banbridge man, Jim McElroy MBE.
James ‘Jim’ McElroy, who was a former Chair of Banbridge District Council and long-standing DUP councillor for the region, passed away peacefully at hospital on October 12, aged 89.
Described by those who knew him as a “true gentleman” and “loyal friend”, Jim dedicated more than two decades of his life to public service, earning the respect, affection and gratitude of generations of local people.
Throughout his tenure, Jim made a considerable contribution to his town and the wider community he represented. It was a dedication fully recognised in 2011, when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to local government and the community in Banbridge.
The award was bestowed upon the councillor by the then Prince of Wales – now King Charles III. Speaking to Armagh I back in 2022 in reflection of that memorable day, Jim said the King had asked about his time in Council. After informing him of his duties, Jim said the King remarked, “Look Jim, Banbridge would fall apart without you”.
And, it would be fair to say his impact extended far beyond office. Tributes paid to Jim speak of a man of warmth, humour, wisdom and unwavering Christian faith. A man who gave his time freely to others.
Following news of his passing, tributes from political representatives and friends paint a consistent picture of the man they had known and loved.
DUP Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly sent her sincerest condolences to Jim’s family referring to him as “a public servant of the people who undoubtedly changed so many lives for the better through his work and service.”
Leader of the DUP, Gavin Robinson spoke of Jim’s warmth, humour, deeply held Christian faith and loyal support for the Democratic Unionist Party. He recalled Jim’s regular attendance at East Belfast events, where his friendship, encouragement and steadfast support were always appreciated.
Added Robinson: “Jim gave much of his life to serving others, both through his work in the community and his commitment to public service.
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I extend my deepest sympathies to Jim’s wife Evelyn, his sons and daughter, and the entire family circle. We give thanks for Jim’s life, his friendship and his many years of faithful service.”
Giving him the moniker of “a stalwart of both the DUP and Free Presbyterian church”, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart shared a photo of herself and Jim adding, “He was always a great encourager to me on a personal level. He had a great sense of humour, but was a thinking man who gave great advice.
“Most of all Jim was a Christian man, whose faith in Christ as his personal Saviour was the dominant driver in his life.”
She too, extended her condolences to Jim’s family and friends.
Upper Bann DUP MLA, Diane Dodds regarded Jim and his wife Evelyn as friends she had known a “lifetime”.
Of him, she said: “Jim was a man of great humour, a man of wisdom and a great source of support. This was recognised by the people of Banbridge DEA who voted for him time and again.
“Above all Jim was a man of deep faith. He knew the Saviour, he lived his life in the shadow of the cross. He has now heard that ‘well done’ from his Saviour. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Evelyn, his sons and daughter and the wider family circle.”
Countless others are continuing to pay homage to a man who leaves a profound legacy of a life lived in service of others.
A death notice describes him as the loving and devoted husband of Evelyn, loving Father of Malcolm, Ivan and Gillian, father in-law of Alviria, Stephanie and Jonathan, dear Granda to Judith, Alicia, Isaac, Jessica, Anna, Elliott, Daniel, Reid and great granda to Maximus, Samuel, Hunter, Isobel, Isabella and Katie.
Family and friends are welcome at his son Ivan’s home 14 Foxleigh Fields, Banbridge, BT32 4QU on Tuesday from 4pm – 8pm.
Jim’s Funeral Service will be held in Banbridge Free Presbyterian Church on Wednesday October 14, at 1pm followed by Committal in Banbridge New Cemetery.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, if desired are for “Missionary Council FPC” C/O Robert J. Bready, Funeral Directors, 22 Newry Road, Rathfriland, BT34 5AL.
