James Francis Drayne

CASTLEWELLAN veterinary surgeon Jim Drayne passed away peacefully at the Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital on March 26 after a short illness. He was aged 54.

Jim is sadly missed by his loving wife Angie, daughters Aoife, Ciara and Sinead, his siblings, Donal, Sheelagh, Martin, Michael, Peter, Kieran, Kevin, Dinah and Eamonn, aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and many friends. 

He was born on June 4, 1960, the ninth of 10 children (and twin of sister, Dinah) to the late Seamus and late Eileen Drayne. His mother predeceased him on January 12. Jim grew up on the family farm outside Lisburn where he took great interest in working on the farm and in the family dairy business from an early age.

He attended Hilden and St Aloyisius Primary Schools in Lisburn and was then very proud to go to Friends School, a Quaker school in Lisburn where he made lifelong friends. Having decided he wanted to be a vet, Jim began his studies in 1978 at University College Dublin graduating in 1983 as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). He loved his time in Dublin and managed to combine an active social life with some book work. It was while at UCD he met fellow classmate and wife to be, Angie, whom he married in 1986.

Jim loved being a vet. His first job was with McDowell and Allison in Ballymoney where he worked for three years followed by a further three years in Co. Wexford. In 1990, former veterinary classmates Martin Fitzpatrick and John Yarr invited Jim to join them in their veterinary practice in Castlewellan. 

Jim worked alongside Martin and John for 25 years helping to develop the practice, now known as Castle Veterinary Group, into what it is today with branches in Castlewellan and Downpatrick.  He was loved dearly by all the staff at both surgeries whom he considered to be his second family and is greatly missed. Jim was instrumental in the construction of the new practice premises in Downpatrick and was very much looking forward to it’s opening at the end of April. Jim loved his work both in the surgery and especially around the country, enjoying the banter and a bit of craic, he was always up for a laugh and a good yarn. 

Jim was a former chairman of Castlewellan Agricultural Show which he was involved with for many years; at the time of his death he was health and safety officer. Jim thoroughly enjoyed the show, working with the committee in the lead up to show day and on the day itself, catching up with his clients, family and friends. 

He also did his bit on the committee side of the veterinary world. Not only was he a council member of the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, he was also a past President of the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland. But Jim wasn’t interested in titles or platitudes. He just wanted to get the job done and have some fun along the way.

He was a keen sportsman. He was Chairperson of Newcastle Tennis Club, until he had to step aside because of his illness, and played tennis all year round — rain, hail or snow. He loved playing golf and, as a member of Mourne Golf Club in Newcastle, he was looking forward to the Irish Open in June. He loved all kinds of sports. A big rugby fan, he followed Ulster and Ireland attending as many matches as possible. He supported Bryansford and Down football and was a keen follower of the football and hurling championships throughout the summer months. Along with his mother, he was a life long fan of Manchester United, much to the annoyance of his brothers, all of whom are Liverpool supporters. 

Jim loved life but, even in illness, he was equally positive. On New Years Eve his life turned upside down when his brain started playing tricks on him and he crossed the road, crashing his jeep into an oncoming vehicle. He was so relieved that the other people involved were not injured. He was subsequently diagnosed with brain cancer in mid-January. 

In the following months Jim bore his illness with dignity and an unwavering positive attitude. Up until the very end he fought with courage and determination. All the time Jim accepted whatever was thrown at him with complete equanimity and dignity. He remained completely positive throughout his illness and not once did he say “why me” - rather he said “why not me?”. He passed away less than three months after his accident. 

His faith was very important to him at this time and he got great comfort from the many prayers that were being said for him. He was so grateful for all the love and support shown by his family, friends, neighbours, veterinary colleagues and all the other people who called, texted, phoned or wrote to him.

A wonderful family man, Jim was devoted to his beloved wife, Angie and doted on their three precious daughters, Aoife, Ciara and Sinead. He was so proud of them and was a great role model, offering encouragement and love at every possible opportunity. The cruelest aspect of Jim’s passing has been that they have been deprived of a loving husband and father who should have been there for them for many years to come.

Jim’s popularity in the local community and further afield was immense. He would light up a room with his humour and infectious personality and loved nothing more than having an audience to entertain. This was reflected by the large number of people who attended his wake, funeral mass in Our Lady of Assumption Church in Newcastle and subsequent burial in Bryansford. Fr. Colin Crossey officiated at Jim’s funeral service and he did so with great sensitivity and compassion for which his family are truly grateful. Finbarr Keaveney and his daughter Caitlin provided the music and singing which was both uplifting and superb. 

We would also like to thank the local emergency services who attended Jim’s accident on New Year’s Eve and subsequently and thanks are also extended to Dr Leggett,  Donard Group Practice and Harte’s Pharmacy for their support during Jim’s illness. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital A and E, ICU and in Ward 4F and the staff at the Cancer Centre in Belfast City Hospital for the wonderful care and attention given to Jim throughout his illness. 

We are very grateful for the guidance of M.J. Sawey and Sons who conducted the funeral in a very professional manner. Gratitude also to the Burrendale Hotel for their hospitality.

We are eternally grateful to all their family, friends and neighbours who helped out during Jim’s wake and funeral and for their continued support and kindness. We want to thank all the people who attended Jim’s wake and funeral from far and wide and sent cards, letters and flowers. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of their deep gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions. 

Jim’s Month’s mind Mass will be held on Friday, May 1st at 7.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Bryansford.

Jim has left a massive footprint.

Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris. 

To live in the hearts of those who love is not to die.