Mr James Bond

MR James Bond, who died peacefully at his home at 34 Irish Street, Killyleagh, was a quiet, unassuming man who commanded respect and admiration in equal measure. He was 78.

Known to all as Jimmy, he was a hard-working individual who was utterly loyal to his family, his church and to the many people who had the good fortune to know him.

Born on October 21, 1937, he spent his life in the Killyleagh area, which meant so much to him.

He worked at the mill in Killyleagh, the tannery in Shrigley, Downpatrick Telephone Exchange, the former Black and White garage in Downpatrick and the Northern Ireland Plastics factory in Shrigley.

He was a lifelong member of Killyleagh Parish Church where he served on the Select Vestry and was Freewill Offering Secretary for over 50 years. He was a member of the Orange Order, the Royal Black Preceptory and the Masonic Order.

Mr Bond had many other interests and hobbies. In his younger days he enjoyed sailing and was a life member of Killyleagh Yacht Club, of which he was commodore in 1983, as well as being a former committee member and bar manager.

Knowledgable on many subjects, he was an avid reader and was highly adept at crosswords.

He enjoyed nature and being outdoors, particularly walking.  He was very green-fingered and loved growing plants, flowers and, occasionally, vegetables. He was an animal lover who always kept a dog as a pet and enjoyed watching nature programmes on television.

Mr Bond, who was widowed, is survived by his daughter, Jillian, and by his sister, Martie, to whom the sympathy of the community is extended.

The largely attended funeral service in Killyleagh Parish Church on January 30 was conducted by Canon John Bell and was followed by interment in the family grave in the adjoining churchyard.