James to be honoured with Companion of Bath

James Harra, who is also a former pupil of Tandragee Junior High School, is to receive the honour at a special ceremony in Windsor Castle on March 6.

Jim, who is the son of Shirley and James Harra of Dollingstown, has been honoured for his services to tax administration.

Mr Harra is the director general of business tax at HMRC and has worked for the Inland Revenue most of his life. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Inland Revenue.

Jim went to Donaghcloney Primary School before going to Tandragee JHS and then Portadown College.

He studied law at Queen’s University, Belfast and before joining the Inland Revenue.

He began his career in the Inland Revenue as an Inspector of Taxes in 1984.

His mother Shirley said that she is very proud of her son. “He has led a very varied and full life,” she told the Times.

“He has worked very hard all his life,” said Mrs Harra.

The 53-year-old has asked his mother to accompany him to the special ceremony at Windsor Castle next month.

Mrs Harra said her son has already met Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during a visit to Windsor by the Irish Prime Minister.