Irelius Jones, Jr Obituary (2023)

Our beloved IRELIUS JONES, JR. passed on to glory on December 7, 2023. Born on August 27, 1939, in Palatka, Florida to Irelius Jones, Sr., and Sarah Lou Jones. The family later relocated to nearby city Jacksonville. As a 1957 graduate of Matthew Gilbert High School, specializing in business, he heeded the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force upon graduation. Irelius spent most of his tenure stationed throughout the country; of special note, at the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Base in Omaha, Nebraska, which he fondly considered his second home at that time. Technical Sgt. Jones was a Vietnam vet, having served a tour of duty in Da Nang in the mid-1960s. Later, his entire family accompanied him to his post in Japan. During the early years in Jacksonville, he entered into holy matrimony with Carrie B. Frederick in 1960. They remained united until her death in 1994. From that union, they became proud parents of 4 children who would lovingly declare their dad Father of the Year on any given day. After his 22-year retirement from the USAF, he accepted an administrative position with the Boeing Corp Financial Division at the Hanford Nuclear site, relocating the family to Yakima, Washington. They later settled in Richland where he again retired. In 1996, marital bliss was again on the horizon when the charismatic Patricia Norris agreed to share her life with him, leading to over 27 years of devoted love and affection until his death. Irelius was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Richland, as well as an active member of the community. He was an avid sports fan and an expert bowler having served on 2 bowling teams during his prime, where he set unbeatable league records. He made a friend wherever he travelled, whether it was during his many journeys or daily trips to his local Costco. "Jonesey," as he was affectionately known, was a friend indeed, exhibiting that southern charm, often mesmerizing his audience with an assortment of his life experience stories. Though unpublished, he was also a prolific writer, having written a novel, short stories, and several thought-provoking poems. Irelius was predeceased by his parents, Irelius Jones, Sr. and Sarah Lou Jones; his sister Kathleen Simmons; brothers Vincent and Ivan Jones. He is survived by his adoring wife Patricia Norris Jones; sons, DeNard Jones (Debbie), Keith Jones (Camille), and Brian Jones (Khristina); daughter, LaSarah Mongomery (Nathan); Goddaughter/niece Karen Simmons-Spanish (Jacksonville, FL); sister, La Verne Jones Fowler (Jacksonville, FL); and sister-in-law, Barbara Lacey-Allen (Vernon) (Jacksonville, FL); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends. Special acknowledgements to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Stewart; Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Orton; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Morales; and Dan Vargo.