Mr Jim Joe O’Connor

JIM Joe O’Connor, from Ballynahinch, who has died aged 82, was a much loved and central figure within a large family circle and was well thought of by all who knew him.

He was a modest man and we are sure he would have been pleased and maybe a little overwhelmed at the loving response to his passing.

There have been many kind words spoken about Dad down through the years and again during the course of his wake and funeral — words such as “a devoted husband”, “a real family man”, “a quiet man not one to complain”, “a decent man” and “a gentleman”.

Dad had a great sense of humour and always had a joke for you. He loved his sport and was a pretty good darts thrower in his day. Ever the sportsman he would tell us “Always shake your opponent’s hand win, lose or draw”.

Dad had a great love of music and song and was a half decent musician himself. He loved to play the piano and liked nothing more than a get-together for a wee drink and a sing-song, often harmonising with the singer.

Dad will be remembered by many as an avid Liverpool fan. He also had a great love for St Helen’s Rugby Club, which stemmed from his time spent as a young boy living in Liverpool.

Later on, as a young man, Dad returned to Ballynahinch where he met Patsy, married and had six children, 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He was very proud of them all and loved  spending time with each one of them.

Dad spent a lot of his life working in Purdysburn Hospital where his caring nature was well placed and he met and made a lot of great friends.

Dad was devoted to Mum and his family. Mum and Dad were married for 54 years until Mum passed away in 2013. They always did their best to care for us and teach us the important values in life. We were raised knowing what it meant to be loved. 

On our parents’ headstone there is an inion referring to the Latin phrase ‘Deo Volente’ (DV for short), which means God willing. It is a quote our parents would often add at the end of a conversation, believing that nothing should be taken for granted and it is God’s will that shapes all our lives.

It was that belief and faith in God that helped both our parents deal with many challenges in their lives and also helped them to face their illness with such strength and bravery. 

So Dad and Mum, God bless you both and we will “see you in Heaven DV”.