Esteemed Donegal businessman remembered as beloved family man, gentleman and sailor

Ballyshannon came to a standstill to bid farewell to one of its most esteemed citizens, Jim Slevin.

Late of The Mall, Ballyshannon, Jim passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at Ballyshannon Community Hospital on Monday, March 2.

Predeceased by his wife Maureen, Jim is sadly missed by his loving family, children Eamonn (Anne), Paul (Christina), Brona (Sean) and Avril, and his five grandchildren, Mollie, Katie, Shona, Aimee Beth and Cillian.

Members of the community lined the streets of the Erneside town as Jim’s remains passed through on Wednesday morning, March 4 en route to St Patrick’s Church. After leaving the church for Abbey Assaroe Cemetery, the cortege stopped outside Slevin’s department store, owned by the family for generations. Having taken over from his father Edward who opened the shop in 1920, Jim ran the business for many years before stepping back to allow the next generation to take the reins. 

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated by Fr Rory Brady, PP, with concelebrants Fr Dermot Burke and Fr Sunil Madathil. Fr Brady welcomed the congregation, as well as mourners watching the live stream, and he extended the condolences of the Kilbarron Parish community to Jim’s grieving family.

The celebrant told those gathered that Jim was a man who was deeply rooted in the community he loved and served throughout his life. 

“Jim was a family man at heart, a respected businessman, a true gentleman and a sailing enthusiast,” said Fr Brady. “He loved his family and missed having his wife Maureen at his side for the last 18 years.”

He said Jim was a man of faith and trust in God, and this had guided him throughout his life. 

“His loving support and influence will continue to be felt in the lives of his family and friends that he leaves behind,” said the priest. 

“Jim had two different careers,” continued Fr Brady, “firstly in Slevin's shop which spanned four decades.

There his personality won him both loyal customers and staff, and his business acumen ensured expansion and success. 

“After retiring from Slevin's he embraced his second career, working tirelessly for the people and communities of Donegal and bordering counties, particularly in his role as chairman of Donegal Local Development Company, impacting policies and actions at a national level.”

Jim will be fondly remembered by many people who encountered him through his lifelong love of the water.

“He was a keen swimmer, a lifeguard, a founding member of the Ballyshannon swimming pool and later an avid lifelong sailor,” said Fr Brady. “His crewmates have treasured memories of their many sailing adventures with Jim as their skipper. 

“Jim was a wonderful friend, great mentor, one of life's true gentlemen and will be sorely missed by all, not least by his four-legged companion Mr Boots.”

The celebrant reflected that the first reading was a reminder of the different periods and events in people's lives, and could certainly be applied to Jim Slevin - with a little bit more added on.

Fr Brady quoted the reading, saying: “There's a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven, a time for knocking down, a time for building, a time for tears, time for laughter, time for mourning, a time for dancing. 

“We probably could add in ‘a time for sailing’ as well!

“And hopefully the many good things he done and achieved will inspire not just his family but others to do the best with the gifts and talents each of us have been given.”

The sacraments were very important to Jim, mourners were told.

“In recent weeks Jim received the sacraments to help him prepare for his final journey,” said the celebrant.

“Today we ask Mary our Heavenly Mother, also known as the Star of the Sea which sailors use to help guide them to port, to intercede for Jim before the throne of God. 

“We also pray to those fishermen of Galilee - Peter and Andrew, James and John who Jesus called to be his first apostles to intercede for Jim as well. We entrust the soul of Jim to the mercy and love of God. 

“I conclude with that simple but beautiful prayer of Cardinal St John Henry Newman, ‘May the Lord support us all the day long till the shades lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging and holy rest and peace at the last. Amen.’”