IRA LEE JONES, II
1943-2017
Ira Lee Jones, II was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1943 in Cuero, Texas to Ira Lee Jones and Roberta Walden Jones. He died on November 18, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
When Ira was 8 months old, his family moved to the Houston Heights, where he lived for the rest of his life. Ira attended Harvard Elementary, Hogg Junior High, and Reagan Senior High School. At Hogg, Ira was one of the first male cheerleaders in the school’s history, and at Reagan he led the marching band as Drum Major.
After graduating from Reagan, he attended the University of Houston where he graduated in 1966 with a B.A. degree in History. In January of 1967, he returned to Reagan High School as a history teacher. While teaching by day, he attended South Texas College of Law in the evenings. He was awarded a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree with honors in 1972 and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas the same year.
In March of 1973, he was appointed an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County. He served for 32 years, rising to the rank of Chief Prosecutor of a District Court. He retired from Harris Country in January of 2006, and then opened his private law office on Heights Blvd. where he practiced until his death.
As a young man, Ira was Master Councilor of Reagan Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He was a 50-year member of Reagan Masonic Lodge. He was a 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason (honorary) and served as the Degree Master of the 18th degree. He served as an usher at First Presbyterian Church of Houston for many years and then as a Bible Study facilitator at Second Baptist Church of Houston. In recognition of his community service, Reagan High School hung his portrait in their Hall of Honor in 1988.
Ira enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and adventuring in the outdoors. He was an avid skeet shooter at the Greater Houston Gun Club and served as a volunteer coordinator for the National Rifle Association.
Ira is survived by his daughter Sarah Elizabeth Jones of Los Angeles, California and by his sister, Beverly Jones Anderson of League City, Texas. He was buried beside his parents in a private ceremony.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Frank Fossella and his team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for their professional and compassionate care.
There will be a celebration of Ira’s life on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00am at Reagan Masonic Lodge, 1606 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Reagan Masonic Lodge. You are invited to wear bright colors and bring your favorite memories of Ira to share. A reception to follow.