The death occurred at home on Tuesday, November 29 last year of James Oliver (Jim) Bartley. A much loved husband, father and grandfather, Jim was born on June 30, 1936 on Cleenish Island, Bellanaleck. He was the sixth child of James and Margaret Bartley.

He attended Rossdoney Primary School and St. Michael's Primary School. He finished school at 14 and his first job was in Lipton's Grocery and Provision Store, High Street, Enniskillen.
He served his time in Liptons before working in England from 1963-65, then returning to become manager in Liptons.
In 1972, he moved to manage Wellworths supermarket in High Street, then to general manager in its Dublin Road, Enniskillen store and was further promoted to area manager covering the north west Wellworths stores.

Jim had a triple bypass in 1989 and he retired in 1995 due to ill health.
In 1965, Jim married Eithne Finlay, a native of Ardee, Co. Louth and they set up home in Enniskillen. Jim was the proud father of six daughters, Jacqueline, Helen, Fiona, Eithne (RIP), Anne and Lisa. He was the proud grandfather of nine. In retirement, Jim and Eithne enjoyed walking the Sligo Road with their beloved dog "Benji."

Aside from family and work, Jim's great passions were the GAA and bowling with St Michael's bowling club. He was a lifelong member of Belnaleck Art MacMurroughs club. He played for the club at all levels and then held roles of chairman, secretary, trainer and president.
Jim also played for Fermanagh, and was a member of the panel that won the All-Ireland junior final in 1959.

After his playing career, he was the county board registrar for 12 years and treasurer for 1972. Such was his passion for football, Jim never missed an All-Ireland football final from 1953 to his last one in September last year.
A long-time member of St Michael's bowling club, Jim won many competitions playing rinks (teams of four), making many lifelong friends throughout the county.

He also enjoyed a game of 25 cards every Saturday night in Arney Hall.
The death in April 2005 of their fourth daughter, Eithne was a difficult time for the family.
Jim was diagnosed with cancer on September 8 last year and, after a brave battle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family.

The Mass of Celebration for the life of Jim was conducted by Fr Noel McGahan assisted by Fr Brian D'Arcy, CP; Canon John Finnegan, PP; Fr Seamus Quinn, CC and Fr Ignatius McQuillan, a native of Newtownbutler who was full back on the '59 Fermanagh junior All-Ireland team.

The hymns chosen by Jim were sung by Sharon Keenan and Mary Dillon assisted by Mary Keenan on organ. A flute solo was played by Helena Palmer. Burial followed at St Mary's Church, Arney.
Jim is survived by his wife Eithne, his daughters Jacqualine (Paul), Helen (Paddy), Fiona (Gareth), Anne (Paul) and Lisa.
He also leaves nine grandchildren, Matthew, Cara, Lucy, Orla, Anna, Finlay, Adam, Grace and Calum. Jim also leaves two brothers, John and Myles, and four sisters Anne, Margaret, Kathleen and Bridie.

Courtesy of Fermanagh Herald, 18th January 2012 Tweet

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