Irwin L. "Izzy" Jones

Irwin (Izzy) Lyles Jones was born on January 7, 1950 to Robert and Fannie (Sowell) Jones in Cleveland Ohio.  Irwin along with seven siblings were raised on Hopkins where education was a foundation along with an open door to family and friends. Irwin inherited his unique fast voice and syncopation from his father, if you knew him you understood him. Irwin attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Glenville High School in 1968.  He continued his education at Ohio University and earned a BS in Accounting.

Irwin married Bernadette (Burke) on November 5, 1977 and they enjoyed 36 years of life with family, friends, travel and adventure until her passing in 2013. Their marriage was truly blessed as they choose to adopt two beautiful children, Sarah and Matthew.  Izzy was a fun and loving father, a bit unstructured yet he was devoted and loving in a special way. In 2004, Irwin became the proud grandfather to Jalen Brown, his only grandson who brought tremendous joy and laughter to him for the past 15 years. 

On November 30, 1970 Irwin crossed into the Brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Sigma Psi Chapter.  Somewhere during this time Irwin was renamed Izzy and it became his legacy name.  Izzy not only surprised his parents and family with this new name but also showed them his new commitment with a ”Q" brand on his right arm and a bald head way before they were common place. The Omega brotherhood was enduring throughout his life and he spent many years as a graduate member of the Zeta Omega Chapter.

Golf also became a lifelong passion. Everyone knew where Izzy would be on Saturday mornings during the golf seasons. He became an excellent golfer and this is one undeniable skill where he is the best among his 5 brothers.  He was a member of the Match Limited Golf Club, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Being a member of Match Limited allowed him to play at golf courses across Northeast Ohio but if you were looking for him you could always find him at Highland Golf Course. Izzy was able to continue this passion during his illness at The Turn (formerly Return to Golf), in North Olmsted which provides golfers the ability to continue their love for the game. 

Izzy was employed by Gould Inc. after college graduation and spent many years with the company as an accountant and then moved into entrepreneurship and started a business with his cousin.  During his final working years, he was a Deputy Sheriff for Cuyahoga County issuing daily subpoenas. Not to forget his side hustle, daily early morning delivery of the Cleveland Plain Dealer! In 2013, Izzy was recognized by Warrensville Heights Public Schools for his devoted time and dedicated service for coaching and commitment to the students and the district.

Irwin was christened at Parkwood CME Church and later joined Arlington Church of God in Akron Ohio with his wife, Bernadette.  Most recently, he joined Mt. Zion Congregational Church and attended as his health permitted.  After hard and long fought illnesses, Irwin departed this life on June 5, 2019.  Irwin was cared for by his devoted sister, Roberta for the past six years for which he, his children and siblings are and will be forever grateful. He was blessed to remain and have comfort in his childhood home, back on Hopkins.

Izzy would never say goodbye, he would now say “LATER ON”.

Irwin leaves to cherish his memory, his children Sarah Jones and Matthew Jones; grandson Jalen Brown.  Siblings; Leyton, Delbert (Emily), Roberta, Myron (Peya), Lynn (Pam), Robert Jr. (aka Willie) and Colette (Charles) Rush.  Ten nieces and Four Nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; Bernadette and his parents Robert and Fannie Jones.

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