Ira Jerry "I.J." Earls, 78, of Huntington, passed peacefully Saturday, June 5, 2021 in St. Mary's Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Chapman's Mortuary, with Fred Mellert officiating. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens Barboursville. He was born September 15, 1942 in Huntington, a son of the late Ernest and Leslie Parsley Earls. In addition to his parents, one son, Jerrold Lee (Jerry) Earls; 3 sisters, June Ellis, Sybil Ford and Callie Carson; 4 brothers, Clyde Earls, John Earls, Ernest Earls, Jr., and Jim Earls also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Fleita Marlene Adkins Earls, and 2 brothers, George and Donna Earls, and Mike Earls; several loving nieces including Carolyn, Crissy, Sherry, Brenda, Karen, Jackie and Terri; 2 special great-nieces, Brianna Perdue and Makenzie Burchell, and a special great-nephew, Wade Burchell, and 2 special friends, John Chambers and Steve Saunders. Ira was the Past High Priest of the Huntington Chapter #6 Royal Arch Masons, and the Past Master of Huntington Lodge #53 AFandAM that will conduct Masonic Graveside Rites. Jerry was a Huntington firefighter for 28 years, having attained the rank of Captain. He served as Fire Marshall, head Arson Investigator, and for 3 years was the Code and Compliance Supervisor for the City of Huntington. He always worked hard for the city and the safety of its citizens. Having a caring and loving personality, Jerry enjoyed life to its fullest, always making everybody laugh. He was a loving and caring mentor to his family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Kimmey and his staff, and the Drs and nurses at St. Mary's Medical Center for their care and compassion. Friends may visit with the family from noon to service time Wednesday at the funeral home.