James McGarvey: Former Cookstown councillor and teacher 'made a significant contribution to the community in many ways'

Mr McGarvey, who died on Thursday (April 9), was a founder member of the SDLP and served on the legacy Cookstown District Council for 28 years, including a term as chair.

He was also a teacher and part-time farmer, who was well-respected throughout the community.

Paying tribute Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said: “James McGarvey was an SDLP stalwart. After being heavily involved in the civil rights movement he joined our party at its early stages and went on to represent his community for two decades on Cookstown District Council, including a term as chair which I know he was very proud of.

"Throughout this time on council he gave wise advice to many fellow councillors, including myself.

"From the Lissan area, James made a significant contribution to his community in many ways. He worked as a teacher and later principal at Holy Trinity Primary School, while also farming part-time.

"He was passionate about rural development and played an important role on the Cookstown Twinning Committee, helping to build the long-standing partnership with Plérin-sur-Mer.”

The partnership encouraging community and cultural exchanges between Plérin-sur-Mer in Brittany and Cookstown District Council was established in 1995.

Mr McGlone added: “My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire SDLP, are with his wife Margaret, children Conor, Rachel, Patrick and the late Shane, and all of his family and friends at this very sad time.”

A Funeral Times notice said James (Jim), Stanislaus McGarvey died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 9. He was the husband of Margaret (nee McDonald) and father of Conor, Rachel (Wardle), Patrick and the late Shane.

The family notice added: “Will be sadly missed by his loving wife, daughter, sons, daughters in-law, grandchildren, brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours, friends and his wider family circle.”

Mr McGarvey’s funeral was held on Sunday (April 12). Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Lissan, was followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers if desired are invited to Charis Cancer Care, c/o the McGarvey family.