'He was loved by everyone': Mourners pay their respects to father-of-three who tragically died in Co Antrim crash

Jim Wylie, who was from the Ballymena area, passed away following a collision involving a car and a motorbike in the Crankill Road area of Ballymena at the junction of Tullygrawley Road last Monday (April 13).

Detective Inspector Stewart from the Collision Investigation Unit said emergency services attended but “sadly the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene”.

A sea of tributes had flown in for the father-of-three, who was labelled as “a true gentleman” and that he “carried a smile everywhere he went”.

Starting his address to the congregation, Rev Mark Rodgers said that whilst he had sadly conducted many funerals, this one was “heavy upon his heart”.

He alluded to the fact that just seven weeks ago, the family had celebrated Mr Wylie’s daughter’s wedding but now they returned to the church with “completely different emotions”.

He told the family: “My heart is breaking for you”.

Offering support to his loved ones, Rev Rodgers read Revelations (21) and said how that profound hope means “days like today don’t have a final say”.

Mr Wylie’s brother Alan took to the pulpit and thanked those who were on the scene of Jim’s death and have offered their condolences ever since.

He said: “So many stopped to try and help...Jim had people there who took his hand and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.”

"Some of the messages Jim and the family have received has been unbelievable…he was loved by everyone.

"He could go into a room of strangers and by the time he left, they’d all be friends.”

Alan took time to tell Mr Wylie’s children and wife Andrea about his brother’s love for them all.

"Seven weeks ago we were here as a family celebrating Jodie and Paul,” he continued.

"But today we are celebrating Jim, his life and he was the proudest and happiest man in the world that day.”

The tribute, which also recalled some funny memories of Jim, ended with Alan believing his brother is in a much better place.

He said emotionally: "I believe Jim is okay today...I believe Jim is with God.

"I heard someone saying the other day that once we done anything in the house, it wasn’t if we liked it, but if it reached Jim’s approval. I just hope wherever he is today it reaches Jim’s approval but I’m sure it will.

“Jim was so loved and I’m totally heartbroken today...but I believe as those days go forward, we will have those good memories, we will have that love and you’ll never be forgotten.”

In his final comments, Alan issued the following appeal for safety on the roads.

“I was talking to him this morning and I was getting answers.

"All I have to say and I’m going to end with one last thing...for those who ride bikes please be careful.”

In his sermon, Rev Rodgers cited Psalm 121 and said how “Jim was always there” to help those in need and how the world would be “a much better place if there were more Jim Wylie’s about”.