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James Arthur "Jim" Ford

James Arthur "Jim" Ford obituary, Lansing, MI

James Ford Obituary

James Arthur "Jim" Ford Lansing James A. Ford passed away peacefully on February 23, 2011. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday born February 19, 1931 in Dresden, TN. He was preceded in death by his mother, Richie Lee Ford and sisters, Francis Nell Ford (Billy Irvine) and Eleanor Ruth Ford (Sol Lee Lightner). He is survived by his loving wife, Marietta Jean Ford (nee Bell) of 52 years; and daughter, Dr. Sabrina Ford Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and two grandchildren, Alexandria and Christopher-Alan. He also leaves in memory a surviving sister, Ivy Jean Ford (Earl Tanner) of New York, New York; twenty-seven nieces and nephews; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins all of whom he loved dearly. Jim was a career soldier of the United States Army serving with the elite 101st Airborne Division and the United States Military Academy. After retirement, he moved his family to Lansing, Michigan where he was employed by General Motors as a plant protection officer retiring after 19 years. He enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, golfing, lawn care, vegetable gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren and family. A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2011 with visitation from 6-7:30 p.m. at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI. A burial service will be held at Fuller Street Baptist Church in Dresden, TN on Friday, March 4, 2011. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery in Dresden, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Online condolences may be sent to www.estesleadley.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Feb. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Terri Daniels

February 27, 2011

To Jean and Family:

You are in my prayers. I have great memories of Jim and his jokes.

God Bless

Alan Hadley

February 26, 2011

To the Ford Family, I worked with Jim in Plant Security at Oldsmobile for many years and I remember him as a very gentle man, quick to laugh and always someone you just wanted to be around. My sympathy's to you and God Bless.

Curtis Lewis

February 25, 2011

Dear Ford Family,
Please accept my heart felt sympathy. I worked with Jim for many years in GM Plant Security and always looked up to him as a mentor. He was a man that cared and tried to set a good example for those who came behind him. I thank God for the opportunity to have had him as a friend.

Frank McClain

February 25, 2011

Aunt Jean in family, My prayers are for you all. I have great memories of Uncle James at GM. He will always be a part of my heart.
Much Love, Frank McClain

Barb Melvin

February 25, 2011

To the family of Jim Ford:
I am Barb Melvin. My dad, Neil Melvin, worked with Jim for several years in Plant Protection. We also lived around the corner on Rayborn. I believe Sabrina is my brothers' (Dave) age and was in the same class at Harry Hill. I really want to send my sincere thoughts to all of you at this time. I lost my dad almost two years ago and I miss him dearly. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Mary Stokes

February 25, 2011

Jean you and your family have my heartflet sympathy. I pray that God's love will comfort your hearts and give you strength.

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