James Ireland

James Ireland, age 82 of Grants Pass, promoted to glory Saturday, February 13, 2016.

Jim was born February 17, 1933 in Belfast, Northern Ireland where he attended Belfast College of Technology while serving his apprenticeship at Short & Harlands Aircraft.

In 1956 he came to the United States where he was employed by Convair in San Diego, California as an aircraft engineer. He retired from Northrop Grumman in Hawthorne, CA in 1994 after 27years of service. There he was lead engineer in flight test instrumentation.

Jim loved being near the beach and taking long walks along the shore. He enjoyed all kinds of cars but especially classic cars. An avid sports fan, he played rugby in Belfast but quickly came to love American football and baseball. Soccer and golf were high on his list as well.

Jim grew up in the Salvation Army and it was there he learned to play trombone as a very young boy. Though a stranger to the U.S. he felt immediately at home when he entered the Salvation Army Citadel Corps in San Diego. He took his seat in the trombone section of the band and has since been a bandsman at Hollywood Tabernacle, Long Beach Temple and Torrance Corps. He enjoyed playing in the RCC Band in Grants Pass for many years, as well as in the Rogue Gold ensemble and in church.

It was on a band concert tour in 1958 that he would meet his future bride, Carolyn. They were married September 27, 1959.

Jim & Carolyn began their retirement journey in Grants Pass in 1994. Jim loved exploring the less traveled roads in his bright red Solara, convertible top down, the blue sky above and Salvation Army band music bursting forth from the stereo.

Nothing brought “Papa” more delight than visits from his grandchildren, Wesley (9) and Emma (5). They played endlessly together.

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Emma Ireland, a brother, Jack and sister, Nancy.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Kathleen Barry, son Kevin, a sister, Jean Catney in Belfast, 2 grandchildren, a niece and nephew.

A service celebrating Jim’s Promotion to Glory will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 1065, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528 or Gospel Rescue Mission, PO Box 190, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.