James "Jim" M. Ireland

James "Jim" M. Ireland, 80, of Robinson, IL, died on March 7, 2022, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on May 23, 1941, in Willow Hill, IL, the son of Maynard & Theoria (Eubank) Ireland, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Lillie M Vela on January 7, 1962, and, after 54 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on May 21, 2016.

Jim grew up in Robinson, IL, and was a graduate of Robinson High School. He would go on to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and beyond, providing his country with eighteen years of service before retirement. His civilian career found him on the road, working as a truck driver for Refiners Transport and Midwest Transport. Time at home often meant tinkering on cars, that is, when he wasn't busy watching a game or NASCAR race on TV. A lover of sport, Jim was an avid college basketball fan and also followed the Dallas Cowboys for many years. He didn't just watch sports, as he enjoyed taking to the courts to play tennis, a hobby which provided him with years of fun and satisfaction! He also found a thrill in riding his Harley Davidson.

The tenacity of spirit that enabled this man to take up his country's call in the name of liberty continues to humble those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his daughter, Ruthellen (Ireland) Ambrose (Tucson, AZ); his sons & daughters-in-law, James & Lori Ireland (Robinson, IL) and John & Shelly Ireland (Robinson, IL); his brother, Chuck Ireland (Trimble, IL); his sister & brother-in-law, Pam (Ireland) & Larry Parker (Flat Rock, IL); his grandchildren, Paige (Ireland) & David Abel (Olney, IL), Danielle Ireland & Chris Buchanan(Robinson, IL), Heather (Ambrose) & Jordan Galpin (Tucson, AZ), Rachel Ambrose (Tucson, AZ), Cameron Ireland (Robinson, IL), Preston Ireland (Robinson, IL), Brittney Fuller (Robinson, IL), Levi & Chelsea Martin (Robinson, IL), and Justin & Stephanie Crawford (Robinson, IL); five great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Navy, Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. A live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .
Memorial contributions may be made to the "COPD Foundation", with envelopes available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.