James “Brad” Ireland

James Bradley “Brad” Ireland, 82, Lebanon, IL, born May 13, 1937, in Oak Park, IL, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020, at Aviston Countryside Manor, in Aviston, IL.

Raised in Maywood, IL, Brad attended Proviso Township High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army as a high-speed radio and teletype operator with the 97 ^th Anti-aircraft Artillery Battalion, serving in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1958, Brad worked in the Chicago area as a loan officer, auto dealer financial manager, and then opened Westside Ford. Later, he became CEO of United Leasing Corp. of North America in Oakbrook, IL.

After retiring from the automobile business in 1988, Brad moved to Lebanon, IL, where he operated an antique and quilt shop. After closing his shop, Brad started a painting business, painting many houses and businesses in Lebanon and the surrounding area. He retired from painting houses in 1997 and began working at the O’Fallon, IL, Walmart until he retired for the last time in 2016.

Brad was an avid motorcyclist and golfer and loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL, and was passionate about supporting local charities, including local food pantries. Brad was also well-known for his long-winded, Irish self-proclaimed ‘Blarney Tales’ and affectionately referred to himself at ‘Blarney Brad’.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, William J. & Marjorie A. (Bradley) Ireland; brother, William Ireland; sisters, Patti Ireland-Fontana and Betty Ferrara; and daughter, Cynthia Lee Peters.

Brad is survived by his brother, Michael (Mary) Ireland, Cary, IL; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Gary) Jansen, Sheriden, IL; sons, Kevin (Carol) Ireland, Gregg Ireland, and Gary Ireland, all in Chicago, IL; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL, on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.   ( Masks are required while inside the church, regardless of vaccination status.)

Interment to follow, at 11:30 a.m., at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 123 E. Dee St., Lebanon, IL, or your local food pantry.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.