Tributes paid to former Irish Times company secretary

FORMER IRISH Times company secretary Dermot James was a “man of character” who gave of his time selflessly to others, mourners at his funeral have been told.

Mr James provided thoughtful and generous support to his friends, leavened with a gentle sense of humour, the Rev Sonia Gyles told the congregation at Sandford Park church, Ranelagh, Dublin, yesterday.

He spent many happy years at The Irish Times, where he spent all his working life from 1946 until he took early retirement in 1989, she said.

Mr James (81), who died on Sunday, was a keen local historian who published books on Sandford Park school and the history of the local scout troop, as well as completing the first major history of The Irish Times, which was published two years ago.

The Rev Gyles paid tribute to the strength of character Mr James displayed during his last stay in hospital, when his main concerns were to show gratitude for those who were caring for him and to make visitors welcome.

“His admiration for the work carried out by others and his sense of gratitude are an example to us all,” she said. “He was a man who gave, from books to newspaper cuttings to advice. He gave of his time and he gave of himself.”

She recalled that when Mr James ended up on a trolley in St Vincent’s Hospital his reaction was to say “it’s not as bad as people think” and to worry instead about the pressures the nurses were under.

She recalled also Mr James’s involvement in many local activities, such as Sandford Park School, of which he was a trustee, and the local Church of Ireland parish.

He was also a scout and then a leader in the 33rd Dublin scout troop. A number of former members saluted the coffin as it emerged from the church.

Mr James began his career in The Irish Timestaking "small ads" and met his wife of almost 50 years, Gladys, at the newspaper.

A number of former colleagues were present at the funeral, including managing director Liam Kavanagh, editor Geraldine Kennedy and former group counsel, Karen Erwin. Other former colleagues in the attendance included Jim Cooke, Séamus Conaty, Jan McLaughlin, Eoin McVey and Val Lambe.

Mr James is survived by Gladys, his sister Joan and brother Vivian.

After the funeral, his remains were taken for cremation to Mount Jerome cemetery.