Gary was born and raised in lowa, graduating from Griswold Community HS in 1963. He attended Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, Missouri earning a BS degree in physical education in 1968. He received his MA degree in 1969. Gary taught and coached in Iowa public schools for 13 years before becoming involved in Emergency Medical Services. He worked as a paramedic prior to his serving as the director of EMS for the State of lowa, lowa Department of Public Health, from 1991 to 2001.

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Gary and wife Judy (Sanny) Ireland were married in 1964 and have three daughters and eight grandchildren. Gary and Judy currently live in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Gary's Song & Story ministry has been presented in church venues across lowa since 2011. The S&S ministry depicts his journey to Jesus Christ through personal stories and

is evidenced by the influence of Christ in his song writing. His stories are real, emotional, and heart felt and his songs are uplifting, inspiring and entertaining. His testimony will touch the lives of all who will listen. Pastor Carol Myers, First United Methodist Church in lowa Falls, Iowa, had this to say about Gary's Song & Story ministry:

"Gary is a very gifted musician who is called to a ministry of music. His musical creativity and skill touch hearts for Jesus Christ in a way that words alone cannot."