Monday, October 04, 2010

Jim Kelleher 1953 - 2010

Jim Kelleher died on October 2nd last at the young age of 57 after a long battle with cancer. He is my dear sister Kathleen's husband of almost 29 years, and was like a brother to Joe, Brian, and me. I know too that he was like a son to my Mum Phil, and my Dad Joe. He will be sadly missed by many people - his friends, neighbours, colleagues, and the Kelleher family. His funeral today was a beautiful ceremony with lots of music. Requiem Mass was said by his brother Fr Connie, and his brother Humphrey delivered a moving, as well as a warm tribute to Jim. He was laid to rest in Danesfort Cemetery, near his home in Kells, Co Kilkenny.

When I got home this evening I looked through my collection of photos, Jim was very fond of family and loved coming to the O'Loughlins' various homes, and we enjoyed his company on many occasions. Family gatherings will not be the same again. I have selected a few photos to make up the following short video, and have added audio of my Dad singing "If I can Help Somebody", which was one of Jim's favourite songs. Dad sang this again today at mass with my brother Joe:


Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 

15 comments:

  1. A very beautiful and fitting tribute, as was his funeral yesterday.

    Thank you Eugene, Eamonn and Mary

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  2. Very Beautiful tribute to Jim ...thank you for sharing this Euge! So nice to hear both Uncle Joe's voice and Jims favorite song! It's at times like this that the ocean dividing our family is felt, but I was with you all in spirit yesterday...Rest in peace Dear Jim xoxo

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  3. I'm in bits after the beautiful account you've put on screen about Jim plus the audio piece. Thank you so so much from one of Jim's six sisters, Claire.They broke the mould when Jim was made that's for sure. May God comfort us all.

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  4. our tidy towns will never be the same again,we will miss you so much jim, you were a great friend as well as our boss,love you jim

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  5. That was such a lovely tribute to Jim. My mam will look after Jim and im sure many a singsong will be held. Love Tracey, Eoin & Eve

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  6. A great tribute to my uncle Jim, his brother Connie said it all in his mass, he was a man that lived his life to the full, touched everyone around him and left fond memories for us all to remember, Jim will never be forgotten and memories of Jim will live on through us all, rest in peace Jim and thank you for showing us younger generations how to make a difference, my family will never forget you.Dave

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  7. A great tribute to my uncle Jim, his brother Connie said it all in his mass, he was a man that lived his life to the full, touched everyone around him and left fond memories for us all to remember, Jim will never be forgotten and memories of Jim will live on through us all, rest in peace Jim and thank you for showing us younger generations how to make a difference, my family will never forget you.Dave

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  8. To a great guy Jimmy, the first pic on the video above was Jimmy at our Wedding, I wish to Thank you Jimmy for singing the at the Hotel the night before our wedding and more importantly your very kind words to us after our speeches, it takes loosing you to realise the importance of those words and the meaning of family. you will always be a true gem and one of lifes gentlemen. It was an honour just being part of your life and more importantly you being part of ours. RIP JIm. x x x Natasha Murphy

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  9. Eugene that is such a beautiful tribute, and your dad's singing makes it very meaningful for me. I regret not having known Jim and I send condolences to Kathleen and her young family from Tom and me.I have no doubt that our very dear friends Phil and Joe along with you,Joseph and Brian will be of great support to her. I knew you when you were a lad, and have huge admiration for your parents.
    Clare Hunt. huntclare@gmail.com

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  10. THAT IS A LOVELY TRIBUTE,TO JIM I REGRET I NEVER GOT TO MEET SUCH A WONDERFULL PERSON,I HAVE ONLY RECENTLY GOT IN CONTACT WITH KATHLEEN AFTER A LONG ABSENCE WE WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER AND WERE VERY CLOSE,I ONLY LOGGED ON THIS MORNING TO FIND JIM HAD DIED I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE WHOLE FAMILY YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS,
    MANDY (MC GILLY)GALVIN.

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  11. THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS COUSIN BREN

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  12. A moving tribute to a great man,I and many of my friends (past students of Kildalton College) recently spoke of what a great person Jim was and how much we enjoyed his company.RIP. On behalf of Jim's past students in New York, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the entire Kelleher family.

    Michael Donnellan Summerhill landscapes

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  13. Hi Euge, Thanks for this wonderful tribute to my wonderful Dad. Thank you for all you have done for us, particularly for Mum who has been so strong for all of us. Thanks too to all the wonderful comments and tributes that we have received, including the ones above, I don't know where we would have been without ye'. He was a strong stubborn man who was loved all who met him, we miss you Daddy Love Bugs xx

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