Mr Jim Beers

MR Matthew James (Jim) Beers, of Wallace Gardens, Lisbane, passed away on May 20 after a short battle with cancer. He was 65.

Jim was born on February 4, 1952, the only child of Rodgers and Nanny Beers, of Ballymorran, Killinchy.

He loved to fish, play football and support Linfield FC with his uncles. He attended Killyleagh Secondary School and later served his time as a joiner.

He met his future wife, Irene, in 1970. The couple were married on October 4, 1977, and went on to have a daughter, Paula, and a son, Stephen.

Jim was devoted to his family and always put them first. He kept himself to himself, with no fuss, but always had a kind smile for whoever he met.

A sports enthusiast, he followed motorbikes and enjoyed playing darts with the Lisbarnett House team, but his passion was football.

He played for Killyleagh YC until a broken leg put an end to his football career and was scouted for an Irish League club. He continued to support Killyleagh YC through thick and thin and along with Paula travelled the country to watch them play every Saturday, hail rain or shine.

Having had to retire recently due to illness after serving for 34 years with Fraser Homes Ltd, Jim was blessed to be able to turn his hand to anything. He would do anything for anyone and gave 110% to any job he carried out.

He kept his garden in immaculate condition and grew flowers and vegetables. He fed the birds and along with Irene looked after their pet hedgehog which visited their garden regularly.  

“Big Jim, a gentle giant, a great listener and adviser”…just some of the words the family heard over the last few days about Jim from family, friends and work colleagues.

His funeral, which was conducted by Mr Robin Fairbairn on Monday, May 22, was attended by over 500 people and was one of the largest in the district for some time.

It was a credit to a great man, who so many people were proud to call a friend. He was also a loving husband and a great dad.