Canon James Robert Sides

Editorial Department • Published 17 Dec 2009 09:00

Widespread sadness has followed the peaceful death of former Florencecourt rector, Canon James Robert Sides in Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, Longford on December 10, 2009. He had been ill with mesothelioma, the form of lung cancer caused by asbestos, for over a year.

Canon Jim Sides, as he was better known, was born on July 21, 1937 at Carrickmore Rectory. He moved with his family to Sixmilecross when he was about two years old.

At the age of 16 he started an apprenticeship at Harland and Wolf Shipyard. Five years later he left to follow a calling into the ministry.

He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1966 and was ordained in 1967.

He married Margaret Burrows on August 10, 1968. After a three-year curacy in Down and Dromore Diocese and a second three year curacy in Antrim in Connor Diocese he moved to Tomreagan Parish, Ballyconnell in 1973.

He was best known in Co. Fermanagh for his time as rector of Florencecourt from January 1980 to August 1997. During that time, in 1989, he was installed as Canon of Kilmore Cathedral. He served a further nine years of ministry in the Kildrumferton Group of Parishes, Co Cavan before retiring in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, children Elizabeth, Patricia and Philip and siblings Michael, Margaret, Richard and Christopher.

The reception service of remains was held in St. John's Church, Edgeworthstown and the funeral service was in St. John's Church, Florencecourt, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. Both services were very well attended and tributes paid by many. His family are very grateful for all the support they have received.

His wife's cousin, Bishop Michael Burrows, spoke at the reception service and his Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ken Clarke, gave the address at the funeral service. Both spoke of his practical as well as spiritual side.

During his address, Bishop Ken Clarke stated "he has served with faithfulness and dedication. He will be remembered for a very long time by those who knew him as their rector." He added that "he was also a family man. He was a devoted father and husband. He has given Margaret and the children many memories to cherish and enjoy".

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 17 Dec 09

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