Jesse C. Ford

Pawleys Island

Jesse Carl Ford, of Tega Cay, SC, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 at Arbor Landing in Pawleys Island, at the age of 87.

Born on October 1, 1938, in McAdoo, TX, he was a son of the late Franklin Ross Ford and Fannie Mae (Thornton) Ford. The family moved to New Mexico where Jesse spent a part of his youth on the family farm. Here, Jesse began his inquisitiveness and desire to build as well as learning the merit of hard work. He made his first tree elevator using a pulley, a rope, a bucket, small anvil.

The family later moved to Fresno, CA, where he attended Roosevelt High School (Class of '56). Jesse loved to tell the story of how he met his wife Helen. After high school he immediately got a job, worked hard and bought a new 1956 Ford. He installed a 45-record player in the glove box. The car was the envy of friends. His friend Homer's girlfriend wanted to ride in Jesse's new car, so she coaxed Homer to set Jesse up with her friend. Homer brought a picture of Helen Nordeman in her Head Majorette uniform and asked; "Do you want to date this?" This blind date led to a partnership that exceeded the span of 65 years and was underscored by unwavering loyalty, shared dreams and raising a vibrant family. Homer's girlfriend got to ride in his car and Jesse met the love of his life.

After high school, Jesse volunteered to serve his country, joining the US Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, where he excelled as a radio man on a Marlin P5M air/sea plane, honing the electronic skills that would later define his calling in life. During this time, he and Helen welcomed their first son, Jeff. When Jesse completed his Navy service in 1960, the small family moved to San Jose, CA, where he attended college. Life was full of family, work, college classes and a smidgeon of chaos with the addition of twin sons , Joey and Jerry, soon followed by son, Jon, and then the arrival of daughter Judy, in 1968. That same year, Jesse achieved the milestone he worked tirelessly toward, graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His proud wife, and all five children were there to see him walk the stage.

In 1969 the family relocated to Simi Valley, CA where Jesse's life's work began. His sharp mind ,work ethic and reputation for innovation, led to the founding of his company, "IMP Systems, Inc.". In 1976, Jesse developed some of the earliest micro-computers, designed to automate machinery in the aircraft and rubber manufacturing industry. He developed innovations that resulted in several patents and gained the attention of an Ohio-based machine manufacturer, which offered to purchased his company and signed Jesse on as their new VP of electronics and development. In 1980, they moved the operations to North Carolina where Jesse and the family settled in Tega Cay. In his new job, Jesse traveled the world; China, Australia, United Kingdom, France, ,Germany, India, Chile, Romania, the four corners of the United States, and everywhere in between. He modernized mid-century machinery, operator control designs with cutting edge micro-processor-controlled (computer) technology and automatization, primarily in aircraft and rail car manufacturing industries. Chances are, if you've flown on a commercial aircraft, there were many parts in that aircraft fabricated on a machine that were precisely and automatically fabricated by the control systems designed by Jesse.

Yet for all his professional accomplishments, Jesse was most content in the simple spaces of life. He made time in his schedule to attend kids' wrestling matches, softball games, and band competitions. Jesse came up with endearing nicknames for each of his children which they all held dear throughout their lives. These names were primarily utilized during the Ford family adventures in their 20' Champion motorhome that traveled mostly around the Western United States. Sweets, Dimples, Cuddles, Squirt, and Schnookums were always ready when their dad wanted to hike to the top of a glacier in Yosemite, climb through a cavern or cliff dwellings in New Mexico, or play kick the can or capture the flag on a silent starry night in the Mojave desert, 100 miles away from the city lights. Fun and games was on the agenda; playing Risk, Coup d'État or Spoons by the camp fire, or being the "chosen one". There's is not a Ford child or grandchild, some great-grands, even some in-laws, that cannot describe the love/hate connection with being "chosen" to receive the "awful awful", Jesse's name for his tickle/torture that he applied with rapid squeezing, slightly above the knee as he cheered; "awful awful, awful awful" for added effect. He was simply the best and most fun dad any child could ask for.

Jesse loved the great outdoors, was an avid reader, and gifted woodworker. He especially loved being in his woodshop, applying his talent and craft passed down to him from his father. Over the years, Jesse built and carved hundreds of pieces of furniture, toys, and keepsakes. Many friends and family members treasure these creations, tangible reminders of his gifts and imagination. Jesse shared his woodworking passion with his children and grandchildren, teaching them not just how to work with tools and wood, but also how to take pride in making something from a "pile of boards" into something special and unique and the pride and accomplishment you felt when it was finished. But he always said; "it's not as important to finish a project as it is to always have a project". Jesse always had several projects and his mind was always creating.

Jesse always remained active in church. He served as a deacon, loved leading lively discussions in bible study, and served as the chaplain for the Tega Cay Veterans Association.

Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen, and by his sons, Jeff and Jon, and by two brothers James and Frank.

He is survived by his sons, Joe Ford (Foy) of Pawleys Island, and Jerry Ford (Allison) of Modesto, CA; his daughter, Judy Lang (Dale) of Lexington, SC; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister Bobbie Heidick of Crescent City , CA; and a wide circle of extended family and friends, that will never be broken, and who will carry fond memories forward.

Services to celebrate the life of this incredible man will be held at Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Fort Mill, SC at 3:00 PM February 7, 2026, 1691 Hwy. 160 West, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Live streaming will be available and a link will be posted prior to the service.

The Maryville Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ford family.

Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home

Maryville Chapel

843-546-4184