Well-known former publican reached advanced age of 101

WELL-known local man Mr. John Alexander Jess (pictured left) died recently at his Ballynahinch Road home in Ballykeel, having reached the advanced age of 101.

Retired widower Mr. Jess was the former owner of an equally well-known pub - that bore his name - in the Dromore/Dromara hinterland.

The family pub was purchased in 1916, operating as a spirit grocers before it was fully licensed in 1971.

John regularly took delight in entertaining customers by playing the fiddle that hung behind the bar; he learned to play the instrument as a child and by age 11 he was entertaining at local events, joining a neighbour, on piano, in playing at socials and dances. His early business career, transporting coal and meal, got underway when his father bought a Model T Ford lorry for 120 in 1926; at a time when there were few cars in the country, John also ran a charabanc taking neighbours to a variety of events.

During the Belfast Blitz of World War Two John often assisted evacuees in getting themselves and their belongings safely to the countryside and more than once almost found himself called upon to act as midwife.

He finally retired from business at the age of 88, having carried bags of coal until he was 81.

John will be greatly missed by his many neighbours and former customers, who have extended their sympathies to his family. Predeceased by his wife Ellen (Nellie) and having outlived all 10 of his siblings, Mr. Jess is survived by son Reginald Jess, daughter Betty Jess, daughter-in-law Lou-Ann Jess and grandchildren Claire and Alexander Jess.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Tosh officated at Mr. Jess’s funeral service in Drumlough Presbyterian Church, where the organist was Mrs. Sharon Jordan.

Interment was in the adjoining burial ground.

Funeral arrangements were by John Gamble, Funeral Director, 7 Meeting Street, Dromore, BT25 1AQ. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be sent to Mr. Gamble for Drumlough Presbyterian Church New Hall Fund.