Mr. James Oliver Bartley
Editorial Department • Published 19 Jan 2012 13:00
The death occurred at home on Tuesday November 29, 2011 of James Oliver Bartley. A much loved husband, father and grandfather, Jim was born on June 30, 1936 on Cleenish Island, Bellanaleck. He was the sixth child of James and Margaret Bartley.
He attended Rossdoney Primary School and St. Michael's Primary School. He finished school at 14 and his first job was in Lipton's Grocery and Provision Store, High Street, Enniskillen. He served his time in Lipton's before working in England from 1963 to 1965 then returning to become manager in Lipton's.
In 1972 he moved to manage Wellworths supermarket in High Street then to General Manager in the Dublin Road store and further promoted to Area Manager covering the North West Wellworths stores.
Jim had a triple heart bypass in 1989 and he retired in 1995 due to ill heath.
In 1965 Jim married Eithne Finlay, a native of Ardee, Co. Louth and they set up home in Enniskillen. Jim was the proud father of six daughters, Jacqueline, Helen, Fiona, the late Eithne, Anne and Lisa. He was the proud grandfather of his nine grandchildren. In retirement Jim and Eithne enjoyed walking the Sligo Road with their beloved dog Benji.
Aside from family and work, Jim's great passions were the GAA and bowling with St. Michael's Bowling Club.
He was a lifelong member of Belnaleck Art Mac Murroughs club. He played for the club at all levels and then held the roles of Chairman, Secretary, Trainer and President of the club.
Jim also played for Fermanagh and was a very proud member of the Fermanagh panel who won the All Ireland Junior Final in 1959.
After his playing career, he was the County Board Registrar for 12 years and treasurer for 1972. Such was his passion for football Jim never missed an All Ireland Football final from 1953 to his last in September 2011.
A long time member of St. Michael's Bowling Club, Jim won many competitions playing rinks, making many lifelong friends throughout the county.
He also enjoyed a game of 25 cards every Saturday night in the Arney Hall.
The death in April 2005 of their fourth daughter Eithne was a difficult time for the family.
Jim was diagnosed with cancer on September 8, 2011 and after a brave battle passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family.
The Mass of Celebration for the life of Jim was conducted by the Rev. Fr. Noel McGahan assisted by Rev. Fr. Brian D.Arcy, Canon John Finnegan, Rev. Fr. Seamus Quinn and Rev. Fr. McQuillan. The hymns chosen by Jim were sung by Sharon Keenan and Mary Dillon assisted by Mary Keenan on the organ. A flute solo was played by Helena Palmer.
Burial followed after at St. Mary's Church, Arney.
Jim is survived by his wife Eithne, his daughters Jacqueline (Paul), Helen (Paddy), Fiona (Gareth), Anne (Paul) and Lisa. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Matthew, Cara, Lucy, Orla, Anna, Finlay, Adam, Grace and Calum.
Jim also leaves two brothers John and Myles and four sisters, Anne, Margaret, Kathleen and Bridie.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Enda Love. Donations in lieu of flowers are for the Palliative Care Team, Enniskillen.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Jan 12
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