Well-known Derryman James Rafferty who was discovered dead in a remote woodland just outside Derry on Thursday will be laid to rest later this morning.

By Eamonn Houston

eamonn@derrynews.net

Mr Rafferty, who had been missing for nearly a week, was a popular and well-known member of the community in Carnhill.

His body was recovered from woodland in the Grainne’s Gap area a few miles outside Derry.

Mr Rafferty had been the sacristan at St Brigid’s Church in Carnhill for nine-and-a-half years.

Hundreds of people signed a book of condolence placed on the altar of the church at the weekend.

The father-of-one was described by parish priest, Fr Joe Gormley, as a “gentle giant”.

“Jim was raw goodness personified. He was the first person in the church everyday and saw it as not a job but a relationship. Everybody in this community knew him and everyone feels that they have lost one of their own.

“He was a gentle giant, just goodness in the flesh and wouldn’t have known how to hurt anyone. During the week there was a hope that he would be found ok and a lot of people were praying for him. Our hopes were then dashed but his family are at peace now that they know where he is and that he is with God,” Fr Gormley said.

The priest added that Mr Rafferty had been ‘totally committed’ to both the church and his local community.

Among the tributes penned in the book of condolences were some touching words from those that knew Jim Rafferty.

One read: “A light has gone out somewhere and our lives are a little darker. Myself and my daughter will always remember your thoughtfulness and kindness.”

Another read: “RIP Jim, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for so much for everything, especially for being ‘you’—a true gentleman.”

Mr Rafferty will be buried after Requiem Mass in St Brigid’s at 11:30am this morning.

He is survived by his wife Marie and toddler daughter Orla.