Ira Judd

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Ira Thomas Judd, 77, of Scott City, Missouri died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 18, 2026. His entire life was devoted to his family. He was born on November 22, 1948 in St Louis, Missouri to the late James and Lillian (Olsen) Judd.

On January 24, 1970 he was united in marriage to Diana Schlosser, which union brought nine children whom he dearly loved!

Ira was a longtime resident of Scott City, Missouri and was a member of St Augustine Catholic Church. He was retired from Proctor and Gamble and was owner of Mid-America Karate Association. Ira was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and a proud Veteran of the United States Navy.

Ira began his interest in Tae Kwon Do while in the Navy and within three years was promoted to 1st Dan black belt on May 3, 1975. From there, he started his own dojo of Mid-America Karate Association, mentoring over a thousand students. He achieved the highest rank of Grand Master, 9th Dan black belt.

He enjoyed being home with his family most of all, playing cards or Trivia Pursuit, watching Jeopardy and playing sports especially football, fishing, washers, ping pong, wiffleball, and cheering on his children and grandchildren in their sporting events and concerts. He was a lifelong learner ranging from wood work, locksmith, and car mechanics.

Along with his wife, Ira is survived by his nine children, Diane (Rodney) Hale, Pamela Judd, Angela (Ryan) Nicholls, Melissa (Jon) McLean, Ira (Tricia) Judd, Susan (Trevor) Heisserer, Brian (Victoria) Judd, Shane (Brittany) Judd, and Alan (Stella) Judd. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, along with two brothers, Jim (Sharon) Judd and Ken (Kathy) Judd; two sisters Lil (Jerry) Frisbie and Christina (Gary) Hughes and several loving nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by many. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 21 at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City. 

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 22 at the St Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso with Rev. Tom Wilk officiating.

Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday January 23 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dominic Hooper Scholarship Fund via Bank of Missouri, 315 Crites Ave, Scott City, MO