Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Fort Lauderdale hotelier founded Ireland’s Inn
Jack Clayton Ireland, a well-known Fort Lauderdale hotelier who founded Ireland’s Inn Beach Resort, has died at 91.
His death, which happened early Sunday in Holy Cross Hospital, was confirmed by his family.
Ireland opened the Lucky Wishbone Drive-in on Sunrise Boulevard after his family moved from Arizona to Fort Lauderdale in 1957, his obituary said.
He was best known as the founder of Ireland’s Inn Beach Resort, which he opened with his parents, Bill and Lillian Ireland, in 1965 at 2220 N. Atlantic Blvd.
A fixture in Fort Lauderdale, the hotel closed in 2007 after Hurricane Wilma damaged it.
It was demolished to make way for the Auberge Beach Residences & Spa, which is opening later this year, according to his family, which is involved in the project.
His son-in-law, Andy Mitchell, said he was a quiet man who taught him leadership.
He described Ireland as an “amazing man who touched many lives,” Mitchell said. “He was glad to help you and never asked for anything.”
Ireland was raised in Michigan and attended Gulfport Military Academy and the University of Colorado, Boulder.
He is survived by his current wife, Mary Elizabeth Ireland. He is also survived by his first wife, Marilyn Gardanier Markos, his daughters, Kathy Ireland Mitchell and Patti Ireland Hickle, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A viewing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Kalis McIntee Funeral and Cremation Center, 2505 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist FTL in the Downtown Event Center, at 416 NE First St., Fort Lauderdale.
The family asks that donations in his memory be made to OperationLift Hope.org, ChildrensAid Club.org and StrikeForce 421.org.