A young Armagh man who tragically lost his life while on holiday in the Dominican Republic, has been remembered as a kind, generous soul whose memory will live on in all who knew him.
James Gribben, who was 29, died following a swimming accident on March 23.
He was taken home and laid to rest in his hometown with the invaluable Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
James was the beloved son of John and Aideen, and a cherished brother to Tomas, Brendan, and Henry.
Fr Barry Matthews told mourners at his funeral in St Patrick’s Cathedral earlier on Monday how James – who had a love of sport – was blessed with so many loyal friends and how he “would go out of his way for anyone that needed help”.
“I’ve learned how James was a true communicator; how he had a warm personality that 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 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.”
The priest spoke of James’s love of Arsenal and Armagh GAA and how he celebrated his county’s historic All-Ireland win in 2024.
Fr Matthews spoke on the importance of family and what that meant to James – part of a close-knit unit.
“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. 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.”
Fr Matthews spoke of how family and friends have already arranged charity events in James’s honour, befitting of the kind of man he was.
“He looked outside of himself and cared for those around him, so we will continue on with that legacy and we also remember, going forward, how precious and fragile life is.”
James’s remains were privately cremated following the Mass.
