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In New York City, on February 24, 1922, the soul of J. Ira Jones passed to his eternal reward. He had not been well for a year, and was visiting his sons in the Eastern cities, hoping to grow stronger.

Mr. Jones was born April 25, 1842, in Sussex County, Va., and was married to Miss Iola Clay, of LaGrange, Fayette County, TTenn., on November 17, 1869. This union was blessed with four sons and three daughters. Mr. Jones was a man of sterling worth and the type of those who can be depended upon as loyal to his country, to his State, and to his community. In each locality where he resided during his long life, he was considered a most substantial citizen, and he was always looked upon by the children and young people as their very best friend. The beautiful spirit of fellowship existing between him and his sons was a qulaity which any father might take as an example. He was ever forgetful of himself in giving service to God and to his fellow man. His loyalty to his Confederate comrades was especially beautiful, and he never missed meeting with them if possible to do so.

He belonged to the 154th Senior Regiment, Company K, Colonel Preston and Captain Dashiel being his officers, Maney's Brigade. He was sworn into service on May 14, 1861, and was in several heated engagements; was wounded three times. After receiving a severe wound in the foot he was sent to the Macon, Ga., Blind School Hospital, where he remained several months, and then was removed to Talladega, Ala., where he was on crutches for over a year. Later on he again entered the service and was discharged October 7, 1864. At the close of the war he entered business at LaGrange, Tenn., and several years later he was in business at Newbern, and later removed to Nashville, Tenn., to educate his children. His home was in Jackson, Tenn., during the last twenty-seven years of his life.