JIM Callaghan always regarded himself as a proud Letterkenny man – a complete townie, through and through.
At his funeral Mass on Monday, chief-celebrant Fr. Ciaran Harkin said news of Jim’s sudden, yet quiet passing at his home at 5 Ballyraine Park on Friday afternoon was met with great sadness, near and far.
He said Jim, a retired primary school teacher and principal, had made such a positive influence on his family and many friends, his former pupils and his colleagues in the Donegal Motor Club of which he was a founding member.
Members of the Motor Club helped form a guard of honour before and after Monday’s funeral Mass in St. Eunan’s Cathedral. Jim’s rally car, the unmistakable red Ford Escort Mk2 was also part of the funeral cortege and sat in the car park at Conwal Graveyard as Jim was later laid to rest.
A native of Port Road, Jim was born in May 1945, the only child of Joe and Nellie Callaghan.
He attended primary school in Letterkenny but his father’s desire for Jim to become a teacher saw a young Jim attend school in Gaoth Dobhair and boarding school in Cork before studying at St. Pat’s in Dublin.
Jim’s teaching career was spent in the Lagan.
He taught at Drumucklagh NS and was principal at St. Baithin’s NS in St. Johnston and in a lovely tribute, a school jumper from St. Baithin’s was among the items depicting Jim’s life which were brought to the altar at the beginning of Mass.
Fr Harkin said Jim will be remembered by most people for his love of motorsport and his contribution to the Motor Club over many years.
He said Jim took great pride in how the Motor Club had grown into being such a success, especially having been involved from its humble beginnings.
“He was a stalwart of the club and a driving force behind a loyal team,” Fr Harkin said.
“Even when he took a back seat, he remained a mentor and advisor.
“He had a genuine passion and a love of the sport and the opportunities and joy it gave to so many.”
Fr Harkin also spoke of how important family was to Jim. He was married to Kay for 53 years and they had two children, Gerard and Cliona.
In more recent years, he had taken great delight in following the academic and sporting pursuits of his grandchildren.
Jim had also been involved in various community organisations including the Pantomime Society and Letterkenny Credit Union and was a Minister of the Word in St. Eunan’s Cathedral.
“When Jim agreed to be part of something, he gave his all to it,” Fr Harkin added.
“Those of you who knew and worked alongside Jim for many years, would have found him the guiding light, the go-to guy when issues and problems did arise. For Jim it was always about being fair to everyone. His integrity and his desire to live a truthful life ran through.”
Monday’s Mass was concelebrated by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie and music and singing was provided by Declan Nee.
Jim is survived by his wife Kay, son Gerard (Jacquie), daughter Cliona (Ali), grandchildren Jamie, Rory, Aaron, Emma, Aidan and Andrew, neighbours, relatives and friends.
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