John W. Ireland

Our Dad and Husband, John Wesley Ireland was born in Baltimore, MD on December 1, 1924. He was the second child among two and Ada Denis Ireland. A Time To Be Educated...John was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from the Historic Frederick Douglas High School in 1942. A Time To Serve His Country...John joined the US Army serving as a Technician Fifth Grade; and served in the 41st Quarter Master Truck Company. He served his overseas duty in Normandy, Northern France. On August, 1946, John obtained an honorable discharge from the Army of the United States where he was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon, a Good Conduct Metal, and an European African Middle-Eastern Theater Ribbon; along with a lapel button that was issued for "No Time Lost" during the time that he served in the army. He was also noted for being one of the 1st African-American soldiers to go overseas the day after the D-Day invasion, A Time To Work...John has been known to be a "workaholic". He was employed by The Coca-Cola Company, were he worked diligently and faithfully as a mechanic servicing the coca cola vending machines for more than 40 years until his retirement. All who knew him knew that John liked things done, "A Certain Way". With His quiet demeanor, meticulous nature and a keen eye, he was able to earn respect from his co-workers and the customers he served. A Time To Sow...John was known to be a quiet, meek and humble man. Although, he was small in stature, he was full of wisdom. Surprise to most of us! John had a side to him that most of us didn't know. He was a avid reader of various books, magazines and journals; past-time joys were watching "Western" movies and enjoying the Ravens and the Orioles "win or lose" in his "Man Cave." Most exciting to him after retirement was spending time at the Waxter Senior Center and the YMCA playing pool, swimming and traveling. He visited places like the Baltimore Museum of Art to the beautiful continent of Australia. John adventured all over the world by cruise or by plane to areas such as Scandinavia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, England, Ireland, Spain, and even Hawaii, Barbados and Alaska. Would you believe it! John even rode "shotgun" alongside bail bondsman, Mr. Fox, who is also the director of the Assistant Living Home, where he resided and was affectionately known as "King John" for the last two months. He enjoyed life! A Time To Serve God...John faithfully attended John Wesley United Methodist Church in Baltimore until illness prevented him, under the spiritual guidance and leadership of Pastor Bruce F. Haskins. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior as a young man. John loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, even when his health began to fail. "Great is thy Faithfulness". A Time To Love...One day, John was in the field with his friends when his eyes caught a glimpse of his soon to be bride of 62 years walking across the field. Mary Catherine Cousin. She wouldn't go out with him at first, but when she did, John remembered the very first real meal that she prepared: pork chops, chicken, corn on the cob, greens and corn bread. John and Mary were united in Holy Matrimony on February 22, 1948, resulting in two bundles of joy. The first was Brenda Joanne and three years later Ada Francia was born. A Time To Heal...During the last few years. John faced what seemed to be insurmountable medical challenges. What began as a routine medical appointment, eventually uprooted John's life. Whenever people visited him they often felt encouraged with his smile and amusing comments, you felt that he was doing great. John never wanted anyone to think he was in pain or any discomfort. Despite these challenges, John continued to be devoted to Mary and routinely cooked her breakfast and lunch until his daughter Brenda came home from work. Although it was kept quiet, John truly missed his daughter Ada not physically living close to them, although he talked with her and Fred on a regular basis. He would share with others, "I'm so blessed, I have my daughters". A Time To Cherish His Memories...Submitting peacefully to the will of God on Tuesday evening, August 18, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. at The All Star Home Health Care Inc., an assistant living facility, surrounded by his extended family (Mr. Rene Fox, his children, and other staff members), that came to love him as much as he loved them. John graciously left life and entered into eternity, joining his parents and his brother Dennis. John leaves to cherish a lifetime of loving and fond memories: his devoted wife of 62 years. Mary Ireland; two loving and devoted daughters. Brenda Ireland and Ada Ireland Ausberry; faithful Son-in-law, Fred Ausberry; a precious jewel, his granddaughter, Catrina Brown; one great-grandson, Tavis and great-granddaughter, Unique; one Sister-in-law, Shirley Jones; devoted nephews, nieces, and cousins: Pastors Rodney and Jennifer Smith, Carrington Smith, Randy Smith, Milton Smith, Denise Russell, Deborah Johnson, Nancy Cousin, Alfreda Cousin, Venise Metts, Vaughan Cousin, Shirlene Jones, Michael Jones, Sharon Jones, Towanna Jones Daniel, Nathan Jones, Frances Jones, Gregory Cottman, Wayne Cottman, and Mary Francis Kent, and many other cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Tributes

John W. Ireland

December 1, 1924 - August 18, 2015