THE FUNERAL service took place yesterday of James Walmsley, a former managing director and chairman of Eason Son Ltd and a founder governor of The Irish Times Trust and director of The Irish Times Ltd.
Mr Walmsley, who was in his 96th year, was born in Co Down and went to school in Campbell College, Belfast. He attended Trinity College Dublin, where he met his wife-to-be in the Trinity Players.
He graduated with a first-class degree in mathematics and in 1936 secured one of the 15 vacancies from among 255 entrants in the competition for the Indian Civil Service. He stayed in India through the second World War, returning to Ireland when India attained its independence.
He joined Eason Son, in which his wife's family were shareholders, and worked his way up to the managing directorship. He was a long-time member of the board of the Rotunda Hospital, and in 1971-1972 served as president of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He joined The Irish Times Trust in 1974 and retired from it in 2002.
Yesterday's service was held at Christ Church, Taney, Dundrum, and Mr Walmsley's remains were cremated in Mount Jerome. His wife Molly predeceased him. He is survived by his three children, 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Among the attendance at the funeral service were David McConnell, chairman of The Irish Times Trust, Liam Kavanagh, deputy managing director of The Irish Times Ltd, Derek McCullough, former deputy managing director, Dermot James, former company secretary, and Donal Nevin, former general secretary of ICTU and a former governor of The Irish Times Trust.