Actor James Nesbitt’s father dubbed a ‘wonderful’ flute bandsman as son pays tribute to ‘inspirational’ late dad

James ‘Jim’ Nesbitt Senior died in Causeway hospital yesterday; he had been ill for some time.

He was believed to be 91 (his son James is 55).

A small service is to be held for him on Monday, but it is hoped that after the Covid-19 pandemic is over a bigger memorial one can be held.

He had been a school principal, reportedly of Lisnamurrican Primary, in the Broughshane area of mid-Antrim.

He was also heavily involved in a range of community and church activities.

In a statement, his actor son said: “Dad wasn’t only a wonderful parent, he was my inspirational teacher and a good friend.

“Generations of primary school children in rural Northern Ireland were taught a love of literature, arts, music, science and sport thanks to dad.

“He leaves behind a family who will miss him more than words can say and I speak for myself, and my sisters Margaret, Kathryn and Andrea, when I say that he was a truly great man, and a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.”

Ballymena Young Conquerors Flute Band issued a statement to the News Letter saying: “Jim joined the Ballymena and Harryville Young Conquerors Flute band just after the Second World War.

“Eventually there were five Nesbitt brothers in the band. For many years Jim taught the beginner players in the band and later acted as assistant conductor.”

The band won a wave of championships and was featured on the BBC many times.

The statement added: “Jim was a faithful member of the band, travelling from his home in Coleraine to attend rehearsals.

“Later his son James, now a renowned actor, accompanied him and was a band member for some years.”

He later became its vice president and honorary member.

“He was a regular attender at the band’s annual concert and was the event’s main sponsor in 2018. He will be very much missed by all his friends in Ballymena. Quite simply, a wonderful bandsman.”

He had lived in Castlerock on the north coast, and Rev Stanley Stewart of Castlerock Presbyterian Church said Mr Nesbitt had been a great supporter of the church.

However, due to ill-health the last time he paid a visit in person was probably last remembrance Sunday.

Rev Stewart said: “We’re saddened at his passing - he’s a man of big years who’s lived a very full life, and was very much a part of the community here.

“I’ve only been minister here slightly over two years, but even in my time he would’ve always welcomed the pastoral visits and a chat. He was an amazing man.

“He was an educationalist, a sportsman, a musician. He had so many gifts and abilities that he’d used down through the years.

“He was quite involved in Probus and other organisations like that, and would’ve been a local historian, and involved in so many different things. The list is endless.

“Obviously with the Covid restrictions the funeral service on Monday is just a service outside the home - family prayers essentially.

“But it would be the wish I think of the family and the congregation here to have, when times are better, a memorial service. Eulogies and so forth will happen on that occasion, rather than this time.”

He had been in “failing health” for some time, but “everything just came to a crescendo I suppose very quickly in the last few days”.

“He was well looked after by his family and his carers,” he said.

“He got to that stage of life where he was ready to pass on to the next world, to receive his heavenly reward.

“He was very proud of all his family. He had two daughters and a son - James being the youngest. He was always very proud of them all, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

A notice on Funeral Times says a service will be at 18 Castle Walk, Castlerock at 11.30am “(all welcome, please social distance)”.

Those wishing to pay their respects along the route the cortege will proceed to Downhill Burying Ground.

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