NI man who died in Caribbean swimming tragedy ‘touched the hearts of many’, funeral told

James Gribben, from Co Armagh, died as a result of a swimming accident on March 23 while on the island.

The 29-year-old was the loving son of John and Aideen and dearest brother of Tomas, Brendan and Henry.

Father Barry Matthews said Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh today.

A photo of James and an Armagh GAA jersey were displayed at the altar to recognise his passion for sport.

Mr Gribben’s family were assisted in bringing his body home by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Fr Matthews, during today’s service, said: “We don’t expect to lose anyone, we don’t expect to lose a child, [at 29 years of age].

“We fight the good fight and we keep the faith. Indeed, dear friends, today we thank God for the gift of faith, which has brought so much comfort over these days since March 23.”

During the homily, Fr Matthews said he has learned from James’ family and friends about “the love that he has shared with so many people” and the “hearts and lives that he has touched, most especially his own family”.

“James was blessed with so many good and loyal friends,” the priest continued. “I’ve learned how James was a true communicator. He had a warm personality and he touched the hearts of so many.

“Maybe it was with a story or a yarn. His great sense of humour. Or his great recall of events and times.”

He added: “During his schooling he made many loyal and good friends, so many of whom are here today. James had many interests. He had a great interest in people. He would go out of his way for anyone that needed help.

“He would begin a conversation with anyone — stranger or friend. He was a great talker. He was a kind and generous fella.

“And, indeed, over these last weeks, we’ve seen so many tributes paid to James online and in person. And all have said the same: what a gentleman he was; what a very respectful and lovely young fella he was growing up.”

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Fr Matthews spoke of James’s interest in sport, including a love for Arsenal FC and Armagh GAA, and how he had been “delighted” to be at the All-Ireland Final last year.

“But of course James’s family was most important to him. The family are so very close,” he continued.

“And he loved the times of the year where the family would all come together and would share special moments, when the family would have had their family outing to Donegal, or at Christmas time when Thomas would have come home with Sarah from England. And he enjoyed that so much. He found home to be a place of warmth and love and care.”

“James was a very special young man and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those whom he has touched over the years.

“Yesterday we were speaking of James’s legacy and how you as a family will miss his presence; that James’s life and his death has had an impact on so many people.

“I have no doubt that James will live on in his family, especially his three brothers, [and that he] will live on in his friends, as we all try to live better lives in honour of James.

“And you were just telling me yesterday how already there have been charity events organised in James’s memory and James’s honour. This is wonderful because James really had a heart for other people.

“He looked outside of himself and cared for those around him. So we continue that legacy. And we also remember, going forward, how precious and fragile life is.

“And we thank God for the gift of life — and especially today we thank God for the gift of James’s life.”