JONAS A. IRELAND, SR.

1950 – 2014

BELFAST, Maine – Jonas A. Ireland Sr., a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, went on to be with the Lord on September 5th, 2014.  He was born in Westfield, Maine on February 22nd, 1950 as the fifth child to Kathleen and Clarence “Don” Ireland.  As a young boy he moved to Bristol, Connecticut with his older brother Wallace, middle sister Marie, and younger brother Don, while two of his sisters, Madeline and Pauline, resided with the Williams.

While growing up at Aunt Gladys and Uncle Jap’s house the children attended Fall Mountain School until it closed and they went to school at the Clara T. O’Connell School where Jonas got involved in swimming.  After graduating eighth grade, Jonas attended Bristol Central High School, but did not graduate as he decided to join the Job Corps in 1967 to learn carpentry.  He later discovered that they offered baking and so he decided to switch and learn the baking trade.  While in the Job Corps, Jonas attended a hospitality trip to Washington, DC which allowed him to see the White House, Capital Building, Supreme Court, Museums and the Arlington National Cemetary. 

After graduating from the Job Corps with his trade in baking he went to work for the Harvest Bakery in Bristol, Connecticut.  During that time, he also assisted at a home for teens directed by Frank Papa in 1968 to serve teens.  Jonas later enrolled in the United States Marine Corps and completed boot camp plus basic training.  Later, while at his permanent duty station, Jonas became disabled and was granted an Honorable Discharge on February 23rd, 1970.  He later graduated from Belfast Area High School.

Jonas was predeceased by parents Clarence “Don” Ireland and Kathleen “Bear” Ireland, as well as his grandson DarTagnan Chambers.

Jonas was survived by his beautiful wife of 26 years, Alice Faye Ireland of Belfast; his daughter Angela Dawn Ireland of Belfast; his daughter Kayleen Ann Ireland of Belfast; his daughter Annie Dawn Ireland of Belfast; his son Jonas A. Ireland, Jr. and wife Katie Ireland of Augusta; his sister Madeline Ireland of Buxton; his sister Pauline Wiley of Searsport; his sister Marie Bragdon of Searsport; his brother Wallace Ireland of Winslow; his brother Donald Ireland of Waterville; his half sister Gloria Johnston; his half sister Annie Mullen; his half sister Barbara Johnston of Texas; his half brother Ralph Johnston; his half brother Calvin Johnston; his half brother Edward Johnston; five grand daughters, two grandsons, and his great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jonas also has many special friends from Brooks Penticostal Church and other churches.  A few of special mention close to him include Alva Philbrook, Tim Merry, Bill & Helen Redding, and the rest know who they are.

Pastor Matt Shaw will lead a graveside service at the Grove Cemetary in Belfast at 11:00am on Friday, September 12th, 2014.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to the Togus VA Hopsital Hospice Unit or the Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice Organization.