Witness appeal launched on 50th anniversary of Desertmartin man’s murder

Joseph James, known as Jimmy, was a married father of three. He was 46 years old when he was killed on Tuesday, November 9 1976.

Jimmy owned a car garage and workshop called ‘J.J. Speer’ which was located opposite his home on Longfield Road, Desertmartin. He was also a part-time Lance-Corporal in the UDR.

The investigation is being led by Assistant Commissioner, Amanda Logan.

Speaking about the appeal for information, she said: “The Commission is launching this appeal for information on the 50th anniversary of Jimmy Speer’s death. This attack, like many others during the Troubles/Conflict, devastated a family. For half a century Jimmy’s loved ones have endured the pain of their loss and the Commission is working to provide them with the truth about what happened to him.”

Jimmy was shot at approximately 6.10pm on November 9 1976. The following sequence of events led up to the attack:

Shortly before 6pm two-armed men entered a car mechanics garage on Drumard Road on in Draperstown and stole a light blue coloured Ford Cortina, bearing registration number JIA6492.

At around 6.10pm, a man entered the office at Jimmy’s garage and asked for someone to look at his car’s radiator as it was leaking water.

Jimmy, who was leaning on an office counter speaking with staff, told the man he would help him shortly. The man then pulled out a gun and shot Jimmy. A second gunman also fired at Jimmy.

The gunmen escaped at speed along Longfield Road in the stolen Ford Cortina, abandoning the car on Motalee Road, Magherafelt.

Assistant Commissioner Logan finished by saying: “for five decades the Speer family have sought the truth of what happened to Jimmy. I appeal to anyone with information concerning the attack to come forward to the Commission. What you know, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove to be key in providing the answers they have waited so long to receive.”

Meanwhile, the adult children of Mr Speer have said in a statement marking the 50th anniversary of his murder that they remain locked in the day the Provisional IRA “stole away his life”.

His children, Deirdre, Cheryl and Dermot, said: "In many ways 50 years is a long period of time, but when it comes to terrorism and losing a loved one as a consequence, time does not have the same meaning. In many ways we, as the children of Jimmy Speer, remain locked in the day the Provisional IRA callously stole away his life.

"We were aged just 16, 14 and 11 years and in that moment of sheer horror, our lives collapsed before us. Our mum (Ruby) was given a new identity that she never asked for, nor deserved, she was now a UDR CGC widow, a single mother and she had to somehow find the strength to carry on - for us.

"People outside of those who have a loved-one murdered, think that the anniversary date of the murder is the day in the year when we would find living particularly difficult, but that doesn't come close to the full story. Our dad was born on Christmas Day (1929), and each Christmas it was a double celebration for us as children; following father's murder we never felt able to connect with Christmas in the same way again.

"Our parents’ wedding anniversary was on our mother’s birthday, so she never had another birthday that held any joy. Nor did Deirdre, whose 17th birthday fell, not just on Remembrance Day, but on the day of our father's funeral. The Provisional IRA also stole those from us. At graduations, weddings, births of grandchildren, there was always his empty place.

"Dad was brought up on a farm outside Moneymore but he always had a keen interest in machinery, and he was determined to get his own business going. With his father, he built the garage across from our family home.

"At the time he was murdered, he had already expanded into car sales, renting of agricultural machinery had built an extension to his premises and bought adjoining land. Our father was respected for his work ethic, for his community work and he was considered a very fair man and a good neighbour by both sections of the community.

"As part of his service to the community he was a member of the Ulster Special Constabulary and then the Ulster Defence Regiment, because he believed in democracy and law. ”He was a committed member of the Orange Order (Cranny LOL 1015) and a founder member of Desertmartin Black Preceptory. He was also a member of the local Masonic Lodge. He was a Christian man and regularly worshiped at Lecumpher Presbyterian Church.

"Our dad was shot in his own garage when three men drove in, asked him to look at a leaking radiator and then proceeded to shoot him in the head at close range. He had no chance - but then, they never intended him to have. We were there for his last breath. We can never forget that. We will never forget that the last person to look into his blue eyes, was his murderer.

"A few days after father's funeral we returned the wreath which had been delivered to our home from the Secretary of State. Our parents, knowing how vicious republican hatred burned in south Londonderry, knew the danger of his serving in the security forces. They had discussed the Secretary of State’s hypocrisy in providing wreaths for soldiers’ funerals, whilst they could not provide action against the perpetrators.

"My Mum knew that had to be highlighted. 50 years on, little has really changed; we, like all innocent victims and survivors, continue to have an uphill battle for recognition, respect and just accountability for what was brought to our door. To so many doors.

"The imagery of that day will never leave us; it's not an experience that any child (or adult) should have to live it, day after day.

"There remains a distance to go in terms of our father's case, and we are currently working with the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) seeking progress with the case; we remain steadfast in our commitment to see accountability being fulfilled for father's murder. He deserves this and so much more.

"To those assassins and all involved in the planning and execution of this sickening deed; who believed our father was a 'legitimate target,' let them answer these questions:

“Why did you see fit to dehumanise a loving family man and devoted father and husband?

“Why do you not stand by your convictions now and own responsibility for what you did?

"Why do you deny what you claim was just and honourable?

“Do you care that you wrecked lives?

“Do you really believe there was 'No Alternative' to murdering a man in cold blood because he had a different political, cultural and religious outlook to you?"

"Your mantra is the unification of Protestants, Catholics and Dissenters in a united Ireland. You have not achieved this; despite all the death and destruction you have inflicted on Ulster; you have not achieved it through either bomb or gun. You will never achieve it," concluded the family statement.

Meanwhile, Victims campaigner Kenny Donaldson, CEO with SEFF, stated: "The Speer family are another family who have had next to no focus over the years, we support the call for anyone living within this community who has information which could lead to belated transparency and accountability around what they have been subjected to search their hearts.”