Tributes have been paid at ABC Council to former DUP councillor and Banbridge businessman Jim McElroy MBE, with one colleague and friend describing him as “a gentleman in every sense of the word”.
Mr McElroy, who opened a clothing store in the town in 1969 and later a pram and toy shop, passed away in recent weeks at the age of 89.
He was remembered fondly at the outset of ABC Council’s monthly meeting for October, with DUP Alderman Paul Greenfield leading the tributes.
“Jim was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party, from the very, very early days of the party, and he worked hard, along with others, to establish the party in the Banbridge area,” he said.
“Jim served 19 years in Banbridge District Council. During that time, he served two terms as council chairman, in 20005/06 and 2010 2011. Previous to that, Jim had served six years on the Banbridge Urban District Council before it ended in 1973.”
Alderman Greenfield said Mr McElroy was more than just a party colleague to he and his family, as his father had become the businessman’s minister at Banbridge Free Presbyterian Church many years ago.
“From that time, Jim and his wife, Evelyn, became lifelong friends of our family,” he said. “I have many fond memories of Jim, one especially, whenever we had emigrated, to live in Calgary in Canada, where Jim and his wife, Evelyn, came out on holiday with us for a few weeks, and this was something that we will always treasure.
“As I grew older, Jim remained a very trusted friend, and always ready with advice and guidance, whether it was recommendations on buying a house, or encouraging me to replace him in council when he was going to retire.”
Describing Mr McElroy as one who was “always very encouraging”, he said he would be sadly missed by so many, not least his loving family, his wife, Evelyn, his sons, Malcolm and Ivan, and his daughter, Gillian, and their parents, and their partners, their grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whom he always looked out for.
“I know Jim took such delight in seeing his grandchildren do well,” added Alderman Greenfield.
“Many of us have memories about Jim, who lived a very busy life, whether that was in church life, in his business life, his political life, or in the loyal orders. Jim still had time for each one he met and, of course, he was a real family man.
“I’m very thankful for a lifetime of friendship and wonderful memories with Jim, and the example of a man who lived out his faith and who cared deeply for others. As I know, Jim is a man we will miss in the Democratic Unionist Party, but I believe we’re all the better for Jim’s advice and guidance over many years.
“Jim was a true friend, a faithful servant of God. He was loyal to his country, a gentleman in every sense of the word, and I believe that Matthew 25, Verse 21, can be said about Jim: ‘Well done, thy good and faithful servant’.”
Ulster Unionist Alderman Ian Burns also offered his condolences and said he had the pleasure of working alongside Mr McElroy on the former Banbridge District Council and Banbridge Community Regeneration Committee.
“Jim was always a true friend to everybody there,” he added. “I don’t even think he had an enemy anywhere.”
Alderman Burns also said his passing had come a month after the sad loss of former SDLP Councillor Patrick McAleenan, who had also served on the regeneration committee.
TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe said Mr McElroy had been “deeply respected within the community”, adding: “He was a Christian man and he was extremely well thought of.”
Councillor Ratcliffe also offered his condolences to the family of Lurgan businesswoman Bernie O’Neill, who passed away at the weekend after a brave battle with cancer.
He said: “Bernie had built up a huge business in Lurgan in the wedding industry, dealing with many brides over the years and I got to know her very well. I knew she hadn’t been well for quite some time. My wife had actually sent her a wee message last week. My deepest sympathy to Ciaran and all the family circle.”
Alliance Councillor Joy Ferguson offered her condolences to the family of Mr McElroy on behalf of her party.
She said: “The loss of Jim is profound for Banbridge, a man that I never met, but anybody I speak to will always have a good word of Jim, a gentleman, someone who is kind and someone who saw no difference in anyone.”
