Jim McDowell, who served as northern editor of the Sunday World for 25 years, died in hospital on April 24 at age 76. His funeral took place on Saturday morning at St George’s Church of Ireland on High Street in Belfast.

Hundreds attended the service. Those present included Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, DUP leader Gavin Robinson, and media industry representatives. Gary McDonald, business editor of The Irish News, played the bagpipes.

Former RUC chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan led tributes. He described McDowell as multi-faceted, kind-hearted, and courageous in facing dangers to report the truth on gangs undermining society.

Flanagan noted McDowell’s rugby background at Annadale Grammar School and CIYMS, where he showed grit that carried into his journalism career.

Archbishop of Armagh John McDowell called the journalist a good man whose vocation served the public good. He spoke of McDowell’s solidarity with others and his love for Belfast despite its challenges.

McDowell began his career in 1969 as an apprentice reporter at the News Letter after rescuing a boy from the River Lagan during a Battle of the Somme parade on Queen's Bridge.