Late ‘Big’ Jim McPhelim (83), Ballyshannon was matched by his 'big character'

The recent death and funeral of Jim McPhelim (83) from Kildoney in Ballyshannon, has evoked much feeling of sadness and sympathy within the local community, where he was held in very high regard as was testament to the numbers that turned out at both his wake and Funeral.

At his Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Parish Priest, Fr Paddy Dunne was assisted by Fr Dermot Burke, Fr John Gormley, Fr John Sexton, Fr Eugene Barrett OFM  and he also acknowledged the presence of Fr Herbie Bromley, as well as Frs. Mandy and Herbert .

Symbols of his life were presented to the altar including a remote control to acknowledge his love of the old western movies on tv that were very much part of his generation growing up, his green hat, his collection of Ireland’s Own and a small woolly toy sheep to reflect the farming which he took up in later years as well as his rosary beads which were never far from his hands, as finally a lemon, as he always loved a drop of lemon in his tea.. 

Parish Priest Fr Paddy Dunne said that ‘Big Jim’ as he was better known, always brought a smile to people's faces as his presence would alone “always be a bit of craic and a bit of slagging, devilment and humour”.

Jim who was 83, when he passed, was born in Erne Street, the only child of Bridget and James, both of whom sadly died when he was young, mourners were told.

He said that Jim was very blessed to have great neighbours and friends who looked after him “and journeyed with him”.

He headed off to De La Salle College and then one night in the Astoria in Bundoran at a dance, “he set eyes on his beautiful sweetheart Breege and the romance began and he jived the way through the night and have jived their way through life.” 

Fr Dunne described how the deceased used to love to jive and dance and in 1969, on September 3, the couple got married. Just September past, they had celebrated 54 years together, a happy and loving time together and “best buddies”.

After the children arrived, the home was “full of energy and life” as it was later with the grandchildren, with the “family table” and “Dad’s chair” a central focus reflecting all aspects of life there from food to discussions and everything in between.

He went onto work with the Inland Fisheries in the Department of the Marine and was very close with his six original colleagues, which the family said continued right up to the present day.

His work brought him all over the country, Killybegs, Mayo, Kerry, Galway, Waterford and down as far as Cork and “knowing the type of character as well and the wake said it all, with you all queuing to get in, that he knew so many people and so many travelled from all over the country to pay respects to him”.    

It was a great tribute to the man he was and is, Fr Dunne added.

One of his loves was farming and he had a “unique way of farming” according to the family; the “beautiful stories” and “great fun and joy” that revolved around his T20 tractor were legendary as well as his love of the bogs and the summer season, when the hay could be taken in.

Anyone that he had spoken about Jim said “he was far from quiet”, a chatty character who loved to pass comments, a great wit with one liners, ready to take you on with the comments in a great war and cheerful way. 

Fr Dunne added that “Big Jim” was an appropriate name as he displayed a big heart matched by his “big character” as well which was part of his cheery and joyful presence, uplifting people to get the best out of them.  

And as Jim watched many boats come into and out of the many harbours that he frequented in the journey of his own life and because of his own great faith, that journey would continue now for his passing was not the end but a new beginning, Fr Dunne said.  

Jim died peacefully in the loving care of his beloved wife Breege, sons Gerard (Ann-Marie), Francis (Ann-Marie), daughter Edel (John), his five adored grandchildren Killian, Aoife, Jamie, Declan and Liam. Predeceased by his parents James and Bridget.

‘A life cut short’ - the late Shane Keenaghan, Ballyshannon

Very deeply regretted by his loving wife, daughter, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and extended McPhelim and Sweeney family and neighbours to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Following Mass of the Resurrection on Monday, October 9, 2023, at St Patrick's Church, Ballyshannon, this was followed by burial in Abbey Cemetery.