Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time can put a shine on your legacy that exceeds what really was your greatest accomplishments.
While Arkansas-born Ira Jones was a decorated World War II veteran he, is best known for his unique connection to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
Born on July 10, 1923, in Johnson County,,Ira Jones was the tenth child of Elihu Jones and Bethany Francis McAlister.
His grandfather, Fee Gregory Jones, was a Baptist minister, and his great-grandfather, Robert Jones, was a colporteur who sold anti-slavery documents and faced persecution for his beliefs.
It appears the Jones family emigrated to Johnson County from Kentucky in the latter part of the 19th century. The first child born to Elihu and Bethany Jones and Bethany, a son named Granville, was born in 1905 shlong somewhere around Hagaraarville.
According to burial records, Ira and his remaining siblings were all born in Hagarville, now a census-designated place approximately 11 miles northeast of Clarksville.
Jones enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 23, 1940. at the age of seventeen.
His bravery in combat earned him several prestigious awards, including the Purple Heart, the Silver Star Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.
career military man, in May 1956, Jones was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany, as part of the Scout Platoon, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, of the 3rd Armored Division.
It was here, in the autumn of 1958, that he first met Elvis Presley, who had arrived as a replacement troop aboard the USS General Randall.
He said Despite not knowing what Presley looked liked prior to meeting him on base in Germany, Jones quickly formed a close bond with the young star.
For nine months, Elvis drove Jones in a jeep named “HQ 31,” and their friendship blossomed.
On May 6, 1959, Jones even appeared on the popular television game show “I’ve Got A Secret,” sharing a glimpse of his unique connection with Elvis.
After retiring from the Army in 1963, Jones began writing about his experiences with Elvis.
In 1978, he started working on his book, “Soldier Boy Elvis,” which was published in 1993.
The book detailed the time he spent with Elvis and offered fans a rare insight into the King’s life during his military service.
Jones became a regular speaker at Elvis-related conventions, Bill E. Burk’s Elvis World breakfasts, and fan club meetings worldwide, including in Germany.
He appeared in numerous television specials, documentaries, and videos, sharing his stories and memories of Elvis.
Jones lived out his life in Johnson County, was a member of Mount Freewill Baptist Church, a and served as a a DAV chaplain.
Ira Jones passed away on July 11, 2004, and was laid to rest with full military honors at the Minnow Creek Cemetry in Lamar less than eight miles from the family homestead in Hagarsville.
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