FrJimkneweveryonebyname
REV. Fr. James (Jim) Shevlin, who died suddenly at the Mater Private Hospital on Saturday, 7 January, 2017, was a popular priest for over 50 years, ministering in several parishes in County Louth, his last being Carlingford & Omeath.
A member of the Society of African Missions, Dromantine, he lived and worked in many places throughout his life of 79 years.
He was born in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan in 1937, to Bernard and Annie Shevlin, the middle child of five. He went to the Patrician Brothers School in Carrickmacross.
Fr. Jim always spoke fondly of his time growing up in Carrick, the market days in the town and helping out in the family’s public house.
He always knew he wanted to become a priest, and joined the missionary order.
He was ordained on 10 December, 1961, in St Peter’s Church in Lurgan, an occasion televised by BBC Northern Ireland. His first Mass was celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, Carrickmacross.
In 1962, he went to the missions and spent ten years in Jos, Nigeria. Ten years later he moved to New York before returning to Nigeria in 1975. He then had another spell in New York before returning home in 1978.
On his return to Ireland, Fr. Jim was asked to help out in the parish of Ardee, where he spent almost 17 years, becoming a familiar face not only within the Church and parish but also at the cattle mart on the occasional Tuesday, and calling out the bingo numbers on Friday nights.
Fr. Jim loved meeting people and talking to them. He knew everyone by name. He also loved to sing.
In 1984 he became an Armagh Diocesan Priest, and in 1994 moved to Kilkerley. Although there only four years, he always remembered it fondly as it was his first position as Parish Priest, and he gained a lot from the people and their community spirit.
In 1998, he became parish priest of Dunleer, and during his time there, with the parishioners, refurbished St. Brigid’s Church.
In 2006, he joined Fr. Mac Raois in the parish of Carlingford & Omeath.
Fr. Jim settled in very well with the people and the surroundings and made it his home. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2011, both in Omeath, and with his fellow SMA fathers at the SMA House in Cork. He retired in 2014 from parish duties, but still continued to be very much part of the community.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Mary and his brother, Noel. He is survived by his brothers, Tom (Carrickmacross), Brendan (London); sister-in-law, Ann; nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends.
Fr. Jim’s funeral Mass was held on Thursday, 12 January, 2017 and the principal celebrant was Most Rev. Eamon Martin, DD Archbishop of Armagh. Cardinal Sean Brady, Fr. Brian Mac Raois PP, fellow priests and S.M.A fathers concelebrated the Mass. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
The Readings were read by his brother, Brendan Shevlin and nephew, Thomas Shevlin. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by nieces, Orla Harney, Ciara Shevlin, Suzanne Shevlin; nephews, Brian and Jim Shevlin; and grand-nephew, James Daly.
The Offertory gifts were presented by his niece, Ann Kieran; grandnephew, Patrick Kieran, Mary Fegan and John Elmore.
St Laurence’s Church Choir, Scoil Naomh Lorcan, Scoil Naomh Brid, Ruth Kelly-Brady and Paddy Neary provided the wonderful music and hymns. The Church was beautifully decorated with flowers which he always appreciated, thanks to the Altar Society and Alice Cunningham.
Eamonn Brennan provided a visual display of readings and reflections. The Scouts gave him a guard of honour.
Fr Jim knew the importance of having family and friends. He will be greatly missed but will always be fondly remembered.