‘He was my inspirational teacher and a good friend’: Cold Feet star James Nesbitt pays tribute to his late father as he dies aged 91
- James announced in a statement on Friday that his father James ‘Jim’ Nesbitt Snr had passed away
- The Northern Irish actor, 55, has described his late father James Snr as a wonderful parent, teacher and friend
- James said that his dad, who was a retired headteacher at a primary school, will be ‘missed more than words’
James Nesbitt’s father has passed away aged 91.
The Northern Irish actor, 55, has described his late father James Snr as a wonderful parent, teacher and friend as he honoured him in a statement on Friday afternoon.
James said that his father, who was a retired primary school headteacher, will be ‘missed more than words’, by himself and his sisters Margaret, Kathryn and Andrea.
Tragic loss: James Nesbitt’s father has passed away aged 91 (pictured in 2012)
James ‘Jim’ Nesbitt Snr was the former headmaster of a school in Lisnamurrican, near Broughshane in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Paying tribute to his dad, James 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.’
Sweet: The Northern Irish actor, 55, has described his late father as a wonderful parent, teacher and friend as he honoured him in a statement on Friday afternoon
James, who has become a household name thanks to his role as Adam in ITV’s Cold Feet, is a chancellor of Ulster University.
The University said: ‘On behalf of our staff, students and the wider Ulster University family, we extend our deepest condolences to Chancellor Dr James Nesbitt on the passing of his beloved father James. Our thoughts are with the Nesbitt family during this difficult time.’
His father lived in the seaside village of Castlerock, Londonderry, and was pre-deceased by his wife May, who passed away in 2012.
Heartbreaking: James said that his father, who was a retired primary school headteacher, will be ‘missed more than words’, by himself and his sisters Margaret, Kathryn and Andrea (pictured in 2002)
The Bloodlands actor added: ‘As well as being a brilliant teacher he was a passionate Coleraine football fan.
‘One of my most cherished memories is of being with him to watch Coleraine lift the Irish Cup two years ago at which dad was presented with Skinner Bradley’s winning medal.
‘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.’
Career: James, who has become a household name thanks to his role as Adam in ITV’s Cold Feet, is a chancellor of Ulster University
Coleraine FC said James Snr was a life-long supporter.
Chairman Colin McKendry said: ‘James got to know the players personally and travelled on the team bus to many of our big matches, including the Irish Cup win in 2018.’
He added: ‘Unfortunately he wasn’t able to go to many matches recently due to ill health but I’m sure he would have been proud of our efforts last season.
‘Not only was James a fantastic supporter, but he was also a great sponsor and we are indebted to him.’
Paying tribute to his dad, James said: ‘Dad wasn’t only a wonderful parent, he was my inspirational teacher and a good friend’