Tributes have been paid to former UUP Mayor Jim Montgomery as his funeral took place on Friday.
A funeral notice said he died on 3 February 2025 suddenly at home in Antrim.
A Service of Thanksgiving for Jim’s life was held in High Street Presbyterian Church today.
Also known as ‘Gentleman Jim’, Mr Montgomery was co-opted onto Antrim and Newtownabbey Council in 2015 and went on to become mayor of the area. He lost his seat in the 2023 election.
UUP MP Robin Swann and MLA Steve Aiken were among those who carried Mr Montgomery’s coffin outside the church.
A Service of Thanksgiving for JimÕs life was held in High Street Presbyterian Church, Steeple Road, on Friday 7 February, 2025. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
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Robin Swann posted online to say: “Today, we stood and mourned with a family and community, who celebrated and grieved together, for the life, person and soul of Jim Montgomery.
“If the mark of a life, is how much you contribute and how much you will be missed, I hope and pray that Jim’s family appreciate how much he meant and gave to so many.”
Mr Montgomery’s sister, Shauneen, confirmed on social media that her brother had passed away.
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Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mike Nesbitt said: “Jim was an extremely popular individual because he was fair, selfless and empathetic.
“It was always reassuring to see Jim in the room because whatever the occasion you could be assured common sense would prevail.”
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
In a post on social media, the Ballyclare District Historical Memorial Association said Mr Montgomery was “not only a respected leader but a true servant of the people”.
DUP MLA and Stormont junior minister Pam Cameron added: “Just devastated to learn of Jim Montgomery’s passing. Jim was a good, kind and supportive friend to Michael and I. As a past councillor and Mayor he served Antrim town with pride and passion. He will be much missed.”
Mr Montgomery’s funeral notice said he was the loving and devoted son of the late Jack and Maude, dear brother of Stephen, Nigel, Gordon and the late Keith.
Brother-in-law of Denise, Joanne and Shauneen and “very loving uncle” to his nephews and nieces, it added.