Tributes paid to respected businessman John McElderry

Tributes have been paid to the late John McElderry, a trusted figure in Northern Ireland agriculture, with a celebration of his life at the family business on Market Street, Ballymoney

Mr McElderry, who was the founder and driving force behind John McElderry Motors & Tractors Ltd., passed away peacefully at his home on Craigahulliar Road, Portrush, on October 31.

Colleagues, customers, and the wider community have paid tribute to the late John McElderry, a generous and trusted figure in Northern Ireland agriculture, as a celebration of his life was held at the family business on Market Street, Ballymoney.

placeholder image — Colleagues, customers, and the wider community have paid tribute to the late John McElderry, a generous and trusted figure in Northern Ireland agriculture, as a celebration of his life was held at the family business on Market Street, Ballymoney.

Widely respected in Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector, Mr McElderry built his business into a leading AGCO dealership with locations in Ballymoney and Moira.

The company is known for its wide range of new and pre-owned tractors, agricultural machinery, and expert servicing, earning a reputation for reliability and strong customer relationships across the farming community.

A devoted family man, Mr McElderry was described in a family notice as “dearly loved by his wife Wendy, cherished father of Jade and Robbie and doting grandpa of Bruce and Johnny. He was also a beloved son to John and Moyra, a dear brother to Kerry, Colin, and Lindy as well as a treasured father-in-law of Aaron and Emily and brother-in-law, uncle, and nephew”.

Tributes have poured in from colleagues, clients, and the local community, remembering him as a generous, knowledgeable, and true gentleman whose influence and community spirit extended far beyond the world of business and farming.

A celebration of Mr McElderry’s life was held at the family business on Market Street, Ballymoney, on Tuesday, November 4, with burial following at Ballymoney Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to Marie Curie (c/o DJM Robinson & Son, 121 Culcrum Road, Cloughmills, BT44 9DT).