Irishman whose life was “taken” from him is remembered at famous New York landmark

A New York park is remembering an Irish man whose life was taken by a “tragic disease.” James Wilson died on June 15 at the age of 29 – less than three months after being diagnosed with cancer.

The Belfast native, who was planning both his 30th birthday party and his wedding to his “beloved” fiancée Meghan before his untimely death, fell ill in March. Earlier this year he had enjoyed “the holiday of a lifetime” in the Big Apple with Meghan and his friends Ryan and Shannon. James did not yet know that this would be his last trip abroad.

While walking through the famous Central Park, James was deeply moved by the poignant plaques on the park benches commemorating those who have died and loved the park. To commemorate his final vacation spot, James’s family have come together to raise money to erect a similar plaque in his honor.

A message from James’ friends from his perspective said: “I loved my life and didn’t want to give it up. In just three months everything was taken from me and sadly I was separated from my loved ones by a tragic illness.

“Earlier this year I enjoyed a magical trip to New York and little did I know it would be my very last vacation. Central Park was a truly unforgettable place for all of us, but especially for my beautiful fiancée and me.

“We walked arm in arm through the snow, reading the moving dedications bench by bench and crying because they were so beautiful. This will always remain a memory that is close to our hearts.”

A GoFundMe page to raise the $8,000 needed to build the memorial quickly exceeded its goal, so the gesture that so moved James can now be passed on to others in his name.

Shannon Carberry, James’ girlfriend who was with him in the US, continued: “We are so devastated that James had to leave us at such a young age and that we were robbed of future happy times.

“He was truly one of the kindest, gentlest guys ever. This (the GoFundMe) shows how much he was loved and appreciated. This is for you, James. We love you.”

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James leaves behind Meghan, his parents Clive and Joanne and his sister Evie.

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