Irving Edward Jones, Jr.

Irving Edward Jones, Jr. was born on April 25, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to the late Irving Edward Jones, Sr., and the late Helen Margaret Toadvine Jones. He was raised in Harlem, New York, and, on the last day of school each year, would trade his report card for a train ticket to spend summers with his grandparents on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. During his teenage years, he worked summer jobs at Perdue Chicken. A devout Episcopalian, he was an active member of All Souls Church in Harlem, where he served faithfully as an acolyte. A talented athlete and high school track star, Irving graduated from Harring High School in 1947.

Understanding the importance of civic duty, Irving enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948 as an Engineering Radio Mechanic and served in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1952. After leaving the Air Force, Irving used his skillset at Grumman Electronics, now known as Northrop Grumman, working in defense electronics.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Phipps, at a party in 1959. She became his life partner and wife on February 18, 1961. Irving joined the New York City Transit Authority in 1962, driving a bus out of the Flushing (NY) Depot. He was also a part-time travel agent, which allowed them to see the world. They welcomed their only child, Tara, on July 9, 1968, making this duo a party of three. A loving husband and doting father, Irving was big on creating memorable experiences for his family. We traveled often, making memories along the way. Whether island hopping or camping up and down the East Coast, he never let grass grow under his feet.

After moving to the Bronx (NY), the family became members of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Co-op City. Irving served on the vestry and as acolyte director, teaching his daughter to follow in his footsteps and serve on the altar.

Irving retired from the transit authority in 1988 after 28 years of dedicated service. He then devoted his time operating the “Mr. Travel” travel agency full time, sharing his love of globetrotting with his family and friends. Looking for a new adventure, Irving and Barbara relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1991.

Not one to sit still, Irving began volunteering at the Share Food Program in Norfolk, Virginia. When Share became Foodbank, it became a full-time job and his second career. He was engaged in their many programs, activities, and support efforts. He retired from Food Bank in 2014, but continued to volunteer a few days a week until 2020, when the COVID pandemic sent everyone home.

Irving belonged to the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 4809, which meant a great deal to him. Spending time with fellow veterans and sharing stories of military life brought him genuine joy. Through his involvement with the post and Assisting Veterans Needs (AVN), he traveled to Washington, D.C., to tour the war memorials, enjoyed a memorable plane ride over Virginia Beach, and even received VIP treatment from the Blue Angels at their air show. If you ever visit Mission BBQ on Virginia Beach Boulevard, be sure to sit in his chair—marked with a placard in his honor.

A devout member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Irving faithfully attended services every Sunday—first in person, and in later years, online. Through Emmanuel, he took part in Cursillo Group 156, a three-day spiritual retreat and walk with God, deepening his faith and living out his commitment to doing the work of the Lord.

Irving did not let illness dim his shine. He maintained a positive attitude and zest for life. Although his mobility was limited, it did not prevent him from keeping an eye on the community. Neighbors enjoyed seeing him in the window, waving at them or throwing up the two-finger peace sign.

He departed this life on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 96. He leaves to cherish his legacy: his wife of 64 years, Barbara; daughter, Tara; brother, Maurice; nephew, Edward; cousin/sister, Carolyn; and a host of cousins and friends. While we will miss him dearly, we know that he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Irving will always be remembered for his million-dollar smile, hearty laugh, and the way he made people feel. Peace and love✌🏽❤️.