James Patrick Ford Jr.

James P. "Jim" Ford Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep at his home on November 22 at the age of 84. Jim was middle child of James P. Ford Sr. and Frances (Kennedy) Ford; brother to older sister June Sampson and younger sister Janice Tingley. Jim is survived by his wife Deborah Ann (Morris) Ford of 43 years and by his three children: daughter J. Tana Ford of Wareham, son James Patrick Ford III and his wife Jessie of Marshfield, and son John M. Ford with his wife Kelsey of Halifax. He was Uncle Jim to nieces and nephews and "Big Gym" to many. More than anything he loved being Papa to his 6 grandchildren – Ethan, Greyson, Jayden, JP (IV), Shay, and Amelia.
Jim led an unbelievably entertaining life. The first half of his life he spent like a gypsy, going wherever the wind, or whiskey, would take him. He spent four years as a mechanic in the United States Air Force, which he joined shortly after high school (originally looking to join the Navy, but they were on lunch break, and the Air Force Recruiter across the hall convinced him they were just as good). After that, Jim traveled back and forth between California, Nevada, and Marshfield numerous times. Most often he would land a job working behind the bar, or running the bar, which he was undeniably great at. He traveled back and forth across the country until the age of 39. Most of those trips were along with his best friend and cohort Joseph "Jose" Sansone.
Jim moved back to Marshfield where he lived for the next 45 years. In that time, he married Debby, and loved driving her absolutely crazy every single day of his life. He spent the last 30 years working in Duxbury and honing his craft to become an expert antique restorer and clock repairer. Always humble about his work, he would tell you "it wasn't too bad for a shoemaker". Through his work he developed many great friendships, none more special than with Franklin and Alice Hoyt, who he loved dearly. When he wasn't working at his shop, you would find him posted up on the corner of his favorite coffee shop – Uncommon Grounds – serving out one-liners and holding audience to anyone who would listen.
Some would say that Jim was the finest man to ever put an arm in a coat, or some would say that he could talk a hungry dog off a meat wagon. But all would agree that anytime you saw him and asked how he was he would always reply "Tip Top". He was not really an early riser, but he would tell you he was "up with cows milking the public". He loved to laugh and loved to "give the business" to anyone and everyone in earshot. Everyone was a target, and hopefully no one ever got offended. And if you ever came to visit, he always reminded you, "don't be afraid to ring the doorbell with your elbows". When he told a story you could not help but become engaged. He had that aura about him that draws people in. He was a once in a lifetime personality. A once in a lifetime friend, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 10th from 1-4 PM at the family home in Marshfield. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your preferred Veteran's affiliated charity in appreciation for the help they gave to Jim these past few years.