James "Chris" Ireland's Obituary
James "Chris" Ireland, age 63, of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully after a long chronic illness on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and special friends.
Born on February 11, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Chris was the beloved son of the late James and Margaret (Pasko) Ireland. He was the brother of Bill Ireland and the late Amy Ireland. He was also preceded in death by his cherished four-legged companions, Mozart, Greta, Buster, and Mugsy.
Chris is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Marcella Ireland, and his devoted dog, Otis. He also leaves behind numerous cherished friends who became family.
Chris lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. He deeply loved his friends, giving everyone a special nickname and always ready with a quick joke and contagious laugh. Known for his generous heart, Chris was always willing to lend a helping hand and faithfully supported causes close to his heart, including Light of Life Ministries and Guardian Angel Pug Rescue.
He enjoyed a successful career in sales, working for Honda and Terminix. During his time at Honda, he earned numerous accolades, including Gold Level Sales honors, and received several Tri-State recognitions while at Terminix. His infectious personality and dedication made him a standout in his field.
Chris possessed an extraordinary wealth of knowledge in sports, cars, music, and history-especially surrounding President John F. Kennedy-earning him the nickname "Rain Man." Blessed with an incredible photographic memory, he never forgot a face or a name, even after a single meeting.
An avid sports enthusiast, Chris was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his team and eagerly anticipating this year's draft. In his youth, he excelled as a baseball player. His love for animals was unwavering, and he cared deeply for his dogs, loving each as a treasured member of his family.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. A service in honor of Chris will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in the chapel at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the many friends at Bridges Hospice for their love and support throughout this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Chris may be made to Guardian Angel Pug Rescue (259 Derbytown Road, Latrobe, PA 15650), Light of Life Ministries, or to Bridges Hospice.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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