John Ireland

Services for retired Peabody-Burns educator John Michael Ireland, 71, who died Thursday in a traffic accident near Florence, will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Chase County Junior / Senior High School gymnasium, 600 Main St., Cottonwood Falls.

Born Dec. 10, 1952, in Strong City to Charles and Kathryn Ireland, he graduated from Kansas State University and worked in education for more than 30 years, including as an English teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal from 1976 to 1996 at Peabody-Burns High School.

Siblings Charles Ireland and Carolyn Kirkpatrick preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Janet (Miller) Ireland; daughters Jenaea Ireland and Josie Ferstl; brother Jim Ireland of Bethany Beach, Delaware; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial providing scholarships for Chase County students has been established in his name. Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home in Cottonwood Falls is in charge of arrangements.