Gentleman Jim, a former schoolteacher and trainee priest, who went on to become Ireland's most successful promoter, passed away peacefully last night following a brief battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anne, their only son Peter, daughters Claire, Cathy, Susan and Joan, and 11 grandchildren.

During the Troubles, when many of the world's biggest acts shunned the strife-torn province, his company - Aiken Promotions - brought many international acts to Belfast.

He was also responsible for encouraging The Eagles, Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart and Luciano Pavarotti to play at Stormont following the Good Friday Agreement.

But before he died he told the Belfast Telegraph that his first love was his family.

The 75-year-old Jonesborough man told how important his family was to him and said that while there were many things he still wanted to do, he would go with no regrets.

"I want to be remembered especially as a good husband and a good father, " he said.

"Family has been more important to me than anything else."

He added: "There was so much I still wanted to do, but I will go with no regrets."

And he remembered fondly his time training for the priesthood.

"I enjoyed my time at Maynooth College, but I would not have made a good priest. I would have looked after the bingo and the entertainment for my flock and not been so good on the spiritual side and getting folk into heaven," he said.

"However I say a little prayer every morning and I thank the Almighty for giving me time to say goodbye to everyone who matters.

"My time spent in training as a cleric is paying off for me now."

President Mary McAleese, who encountered Mr Aiken on a number of occasions, paid a visit to him last week. She broke away from official engagements to make a private trip to his home in south Belfast.

Dance star Michael Flatley and ex-Boyzone singer Ronan Keating also made the trip to Belfast to see him.

Lord of the Dance star Flatley described him as a "remarkable man, a gentleman".

"He was like a father figure to me," he said. "I loved that man. He always stood by what he said and always honoured his deal. I would have gone to the end of the world for big Jim Aiken."

Pop star Keating also recalled him with fondness.

"Jim always had time for everyone. He loved making people happy by staging concerts. He lived for his family and for making other people happy."

Other stars brought to Ireland by Mr Aiken included Sir Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Willie Nelson, Cher and Shirley Bassey.

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy extended his sympathy to Mr Aiken's family. The Newry and Armagh MP said that the late Mr Aiken had been a world-renowned promoter who was admired by all.

He said: "Jim Aiken was trusted, respected and admired, by not only the many famous stars whom he encouraged to perform here in Ireland, but also by many ordinary people who came into contact with him during his life.

"He give a lifelong commitment to encouraging and promoting all that was positive about this Island.”