Jimmy Gracey’s godmother says ‘God was preparing us for this day’ at his funeral after college student died in Spain

“We will never be the same, but we are all better for having had you in our lives,” she told mourners

James “Jimmy” Gracey. Credit: In Memory of Jimmy Gracey/Facebook© In Memory of Jimmy Gracey/Facebook

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A funeral mass was held on March 31 for James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old college student who died in Spain this month
His godmother gave a eulogy in which she said, “God was preparing us for this day”
The young man’s death appeared accidental, police previously announced

During the funeral mass for James “Jimmy” Gracey — the missing college student who died in Spain — his godmother said that God had prepared his family for his unexpected passing.

“In this tragedy, despite the strongest faith, the obvious question we raise to God is, ‘Why?’ ” said the 20-year-old man’s godmother, Beth O’Reilly, during an eulogy held at a church in Elmhurst, Ill., on Tuesday, March 31, which aired on Fox affiliate WBRC. “But as I reflect, I can’t help but think God was preparing us for this day.”

The University of Alabama student traveled to Barcelona during spring break. Gracey was last seen early on March 17, after going to a beachfront nightclub. On March 19, after a dayslong search for the missing man by law enforcement, his body was recovered from the water off Somorrostro beach.

His death is believed to be accidental, a police spokesperson previously told PEOPLE.

Gracey is survived by his parents, Therese and Taras Gracey, and his younger siblings, Mary, Tommy, Joe and Matthew, according to WBRC.

The Graceys’ eldest child was a proud “momma’s boy,” O’Reilly said. He wasn’t afraid to cuddle on the couch next to her, and he connected with his dad over hockey. Jimmy also took his role as big brother “very seriously,” his godmother said, according to WBRC.

“He loved each of his siblings and had a unique relationship with each of them,” she said.

In a tribute on social media, Tommy shared his love for his “beautiful big brother.”

“Your courage for all of us was inspiring,” Tommy wrote, adding, “I can’t say goodbye yet. I would do anything to have just one more conversation with you.”

At the funeral mass, O’Reilly was especially grateful for the special moments their families had together. She recalled the decision she and Therese made last fall to “spend a ridiculous amount of money” for their families to travel to Alabama for 48 hours for a football game.

“God knew,” she said. “God knew we would treasure that crazy, crowded weekend where we had a chance to see Jimmy’s life there and why he was so happy in Tuscaloosa.”

She also recounted other treasured moments before Jimmy’s trip to Spain.

“God knew he was preparing Jimmy for eternal life in heaven,” O’Reilly said.

At the end of the eulogy, O’Reilly promised that their families would keep his memory ever present.

“We will miss your earthly presence, but I know you will be at our side for every milestone, happy occasion and celebrating right alongside us,” she told mourners. “We will never be the same, but we are all better for having had you in our lives.”