Ira Jarrette

Ira Jarrette, 53, passed away on May 2, 2022, in Riverdale, MD. He was affectionately known by family and friends as IJ, Ihye Jaye, and DJ Ida I.

Ira was born in Monticello, NY to John S. and Anna M. (Coleman) Jarrette on May 14, 1968, and attended Monticello Central Schools. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1986. He went on to earn a B.A. (SUNY New Paltz) and an M.A. (SUNY Stony Brook). He worked for Prince George’s County Schools, MD, for 25 years and closed out his career at Charles H. Flowers High School. He was a dedicated educator and earned the respect and deep admiration of his colleagues and students.

The decedent was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his daughter, Anaiya Aset (Marcia Tucker Jarrette) of Maryland; brothers: Charles, Sr. (GA); John Oxendine (CA); Barry Jarrette (Kim) (SC); Jay Jarrette (NY); Leon Jarrette (NY); D. Lamont Raynor (NY); and, sister, Phyllis Raynor Surrett (Clifford) (VA); as well as a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ira pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Omicron Epsilon Chapter, in the spring of 1990 while at SUNY New Paltz. He was #6 on the “Hustlers of Culture” line of seven brothers and was respectfully known as “Big Brother Metaphysical.” Ira was also an active force in several on-campus student organizations.

In addition to being a deejay, Ira created an online music catalog with independent artists’ recordings at www.clockwiseproductions.org. Ever the seeker of knowledge, Ira was a certified life, health, and spiritual coach. He began his coaching practice a little more than 4 years ago. On his spiritual journey, he came to quote “The wisdom of the world is foolishness…” (1Cor 3:19) and “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

Ira wanted to discover and know the world. So, over the years, he completed journeys to Egypt (to explore the Pyramids of Giza and Aswan); Brazil; Bermuda; and, the Mayan ruins in Mexico. Finally, prematurely, on May 2, Ira took what would be his final journey to Heaven where he now resides.

A memorial service will be held at Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781, 301-927-6100, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 2–4 p.m. It will be live-streamed and can be accessed at www.gaschs.com.