FAIR Reflects on the Life of Jim Dixon
In Memory of Jim Dixon – A Tireless Advocate for Innocent Victims
It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that FAIR – Families Acting for Innocent Relatives – announces the passing of Jim Dixon, a cherished friend, tireless campaigner, and courageous survivor of the Enniskillen bomb.
Jim’s life was irrevocably changed on that tragic day in November 1987, when the IRA detonated a bomb during a Remembrance Day service, killing 11 innocent people and injuring dozens more. Though wounded, Jim emerged from the devastation with a quiet determination to ensure that victims of terrorism would never be forgotten, and that their voices would be heard.
From those dark beginnings, Jim became a beacon of hope and resilience in the victims sector in Northern Ireland. He was a leading figure in the historic Long March which highlighted the plight of innocent victims and demanded justice. His leadership and moral clarity inspired many to join the cause and stand firm against the tide of revisionism and political expediency.
Jim’s legacy was further cemented through his founding of the Ely Centre in Enniskillen, a vital support hub for victims and survivors of terrorism. Under his guidance, the Ely Centre became a sanctuary of healing, advocacy, and remembrance, offering practical help and emotional support to those whose lives had been shattered by violence.
Throughout his life, Jim remained steadfast in his principles: truth, justice, and dignity for innocent victims. He was a man of strong Christian faith, quiet strength, unwavering conviction, and deep compassion. His work touched countless lives, and his absence will be felt across the entire victims community. Speaking of the PIRA bomb attack on Remembrance Sunday he recalled his own injuries
“My skull was fractured in a number of areas. My eyes were sitting down on my cheeks when the doctors found me. They had to put my eyes back into place. My mouth was blown out. My jaw was missing on the right-hand side. I was split open nine inches from my chin to my ear. My face and tongue were paralysed. I had nine broken ribs. My pelvis, two hips and one leg were smashed. Three surgeons told me I wouldn’t live. It’s a miracle I survived. The time I spent in hospital was horrendous. I was in intensive care for a very long time.”
FAIR mourns the loss of a true hero and extends our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and colleagues at the Ely Centre. We share in their grief and honour his memory with gratitude and pride.
Jim Dixon’s legacy will endure in every life he helped rebuild, every truth he defended, and every step he took toward justice.
Belfast Newsletter Article
Living Memorial Centre Development
AS FAIR marks its 25th Anniversary they have launched an exciting new Living Memorial Centre Development project. Over 15 years ago the group secured premises in Markethill. In what was the school masters house the group developed the first phase of their Living Memorial centre with a reception and administrative hub, meeting room and multi-purpose space, with kitchen. On the first floor an IT suite, and officers were developed. A memorial garden with a marble memorial funded and designed by friends and supporters on the mainland became the centrepiece with a place for victims to reflect and remember.
The group quickly outgrew the building and as new projects and activities were launched a number of temporary offices were placed on site. Over the last decade the group continued to develop the main building with an extended kitchen and disabled access toilets and storage. However as FAIR looked to its first quarter century one of the key priorities was a major development project to modernise and make their centre fit for the future. As members views were canvassed and professional advice Slough the project took shape with a range of new facilities and multiple-purpose spaces envisaged.
Meetings have already begun with the design team and the committee is turning its attention to fundraising. The ambitious target of £250,000 has been set - £10,000 for every year that FAIR has been in existence. The vision for the centre as a 'living memorial' remains strong and guides the group. It see the centre as a place of safety and support. FAIR has developed their facility at Mount Pleasant House as
An accessible, safe, friendly supportive and well resourced facility where victims can—
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Remember loved ones they have lost as a result of the past thirty years of terrorism.
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Meet and share within a social setting where they can share their experiences
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Access professional services to help them deal with their physical and mental trauma,
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Develop the skills, confidence and capacity needed to move on with their lives,
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Receive the support, advocacy and care they deserve from the group they created
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Deal with the Past and provide their interpretation of it in a positive way
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Reintegrate into the community forming practical partnerships that benefit all
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Become a valued group in society playing a full role in building lasting, genuine peace
