IRELAND, John Michael - b. December 10, 1952 - d. June 20, 2024

[patyrn]

John Michael Ireland, age 71, loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, and brother, entered his forever home in Heaven on June 20, 2024.  He was born December 10, 1952 in Strong City, Kansas to Charles and Kathryn Ireland.

John retired from education and administration after 30+ years and was a proud Kansas State University alumni, continuing the same football season ticket as his parents first started.  While showing a strong aptitude for competing in many sports, John felt a particular fondness for coaching basketball.  Beyond sports, his love of the Rocky Mountains and aptitude for pranks at "just the right time" stand as loving markers of his legacy.  Above all else, his personal relationship with Jesus Christ was the lens through which he focused his love, devotion, and dedication in serving and leading his family.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet "Jan" (Miller) Ireland of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; his daughters, Jenaea Ireland and Josie (Kevin) Ferstl; grandchildren, Emerson and Palmer Welsh, Mia Baeza, and Norah, Graham, Laurel, and Jack Ferstl; his brother, Jim (Judy) Ireland of Bethany Beach, Delaware; and numerous other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joshua; and his siblings, Charles Ireland and Carolyn Kirkpatrick.

Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Chase County Junior/Senior High School Gymnasium, 600 Main Street, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the John Ireland Memorial Scholarship Fund (for Chase County Junior/Senior High School students) in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, P.O. Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845 which has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home website)

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John Ireland was killed in an automobile accident near Florence, Kansas.  He had previously been an administrator in the West Elk Schools.  His wife, Jan, was also an elementary teacher at West Elk.