Jimmy had a great passion for music and played throughout country
THE death has occurred of Jimmy Shields at his home, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, on 18 March, 2017. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a relatively short illness.
Fondly known as Jimmy, he was born on 16 April, 1929, to George and Annie Shields of Mary Street North, Dundalk, and was the last surviving member of his family when he passed away in his 88th year.
He spent many years in the printing industry in Dundalgan Press - W Tempest and W& S Magowan.
During his time in W & S Magowan he met his wife Lily Byrne. They married in 1956 and enjoyed over sixty years of marriage raising their family together.
Jimmy was a founding member of the Cuchullain Credit Union in the 1960’s. It was originally set up to help people working in the printing industry and their families.
Jimmy, however, will be most fondly remembered as a band leader, having entertained people the length and breadth of the country in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
His band was known as Jimmy Shields and his Orchestra and Show Band. His passion and love of music was a constant in his life and that passion has been passed on to his children.
He was a quiet, caring, humorous and loving man, and his family always came first.
He had a deep faith and a great interest in Spirituality. He spent many years attending studies in Mount Oliver with his nephew Fr. Tom Hamill and later was a member of a men’s group who meet regularly, which he attended right up to a few months before his passing.
Jimmy enjoyed reading; indeed his home is literally full of books which reflected his many diverse interests. He also had a great passion in Health and Wellbeing, Meditation practices and loved cooking. Always experimenting with new recipes that he came across.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Lily and by his cherished children, Jim, Stephen, Mary Clarke, Paul, Brendan, Ann Mitchell, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
He was predeceased by his infant son Martin, parents, brothers and sisters.
He reposed at his home where it was evident that he had touched the lives of many people who came to pay their last respects to his loving family.
His funeral Mass took place in St. Nicholas Church, celebrated by Fr Magnus.
The readings were given by his daughters Ann Mitchell and Mary Clarke, while the prayers of the faithful were read by his grandson Jack Mitchell, daughter-in-law Fiona Shields and son-in-law Ian Mitchell.
The offertory gifts were presented by grand-daughters Katie and Jessica Shields. Symbols of Jimmy’s life on the altar included his saxophone, books and a picture of a religious icon.
The family would like to thank his nephew Fr. Tom Hamill and Fr. Kevin Cooney. They would also like to thank the dedicated carers Ann, Cathriona, Molly, Ailish, palliative care team, nurses, doctors and all those who helped Jimmy during this time.
Jimmy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St. Nicholas Church, Dundalk, on Sunday 23 April, 2017, at 12 noon.