James Richard Ford, Sr.

1925 - 2017

James Richard Ford, Sr. obituary, 1925-2017, Tallahassee, FL

BORN

1925

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

James Ford, Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 12, 2017.

Former Mayor James R. Ford, Sr. became the City of Tallahassee's first African American elected to the City Commission in 1971 and in 1972 he served as the city's first African-American Mayor. Nationally, Mayor Ford was the first African-American Mayor of a capital city. He is a descendant of William Henry Ford who served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1877-79. Ford served fourteen consecutive years as a Tallahassee City Commissioner.

During his tenure in city government, Ford played a pivotal role in eliminating segregated practices and securing employment for African Americans. He is credited with establishment of the City of Tallahassee's Minority Business Department, Frenchtown Area Development Authority (FADA) and was instrumental in the acquisition and preservation of the Riley House as a historical marker and establishment of the Walker-Ford Community Center.

James R. Ford, Sr. also made his mark in the local school system as the first African-American administrator (assistant principal) at Leon High School. He served simultaneously as Principal of Concord and Barrow Hill Elementary Schools. Ford also served as Migrant Program Director at Lively Vocational Technical Center. Lastly he served as assistant principal of Griffin Middle School where he retired from the Leon County Schools system after 37 years of pioneering service.

Locally, James R. Ford, Sr. built WANM radio station and was its first manager, thereby serving as Tallahassee's first African-American manager of a radio station. Aside from his ownership and management of seven local businesses, Ford served locally as President of: the Tallahassee Urban League, Gamma Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Pi Fraternity and 100 Black Men of America. He also served as Commander of the Tallahassee Sail and Power Squadron and Sneed-Franklin American Legion Post.
Ford sat on numerous local boards including: the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Florida League of Cities, Tallahassee Parks Foundation and Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center.
He leaves his legacy to his loving and devoted wife, Dr. Clinita A. Ford; daughters, Janita Maria Ford Patrick and JaKathryn Ellouise Ford Ross; son, James Richard Ford, Jr. (Lisa); grandchildren Carlanita M. Hollis, Ari Q. Patrick, James R. Ford, III, Tanner R. Ford, Michael C. Ford, Raven L. Ford, Kristin M. Ross and Carrington E. Ross; great grandchildren, Chauncey M. Hollis and Jarray J. Hollis; brother, Greeley Ford (Candace) and a host of loved and adored relatives and friends.

Mayor James R. Ford, Sr. will be funeralized on Monday, October 16th, 11:00 am at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 15th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home located at 700 Timberlane Road. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home is in charge of services.

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

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee.

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Not sure what to say?

October 27, 2017

James and Lisa, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Ford's passing you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love from the Lombardi Family

October 24, 2017

Connie Reshard

May the great memories you shared ease the pain of the loss of your loved one.

October 20, 2017

Matthew Woody

TO Mr James R. Ford Family Mr. Ford was very special to our learning experience first at Concord Elementary school then Lincoln High. Thanks for sharing Mr. Ford We will miss him.

October 19, 2017

Sherrell Rosier

October 16, 2017

RIP Mr. Ford It was a honor you will always be my best 9th grade teacher of all time you were the best R Powell

October 16, 2017

Robert Gee

My condolences to the family of Mr. Ford. He was a great man. I got to know, actually know of him with my time with COT some years ago. Always was aware of his accomplishments from then on. In his later years I would see him at Gulf Coast Lumber in Woodville. He was a wonderful gentleman, a pleasure to have known him and saddened he is gone. Will miss him and RIP Mr. Ford.

October 16, 2017

Our prayer and Condolences to your Family from Green's Family.

October 16, 2017

Lori Sellers Fender

Janita - I'm sorry for your loss and I know what you are going thru. My father passed 8/31/17. I try to remember the good times and his funny mannerisms and that is what is getting me thru this time. You and I were classmates all thru middle school and high school - and maybe at Timberlane Elementary School as well (I'm pretty sure).
My prayers are with you.

October 16, 2017

Kate Konrad

Rest in peace Mr. James Ford Sr. Although I have only met you twice, I feel I know you from listening to Clinita talk about you. Clinita, you have always inspired me so much by the love you talked about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kate Konrad & Mark Griesbach

October 16, 2017

It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love so much. Knowing that so many were loved and touched by him helps. Even more so, because he lives in their memories. May you have peace and comfort in the promises of Almighty God that there is a hope of seeing your loved one again. My sincere condolences.

October 16, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family! Wallace and Eunice Williams

October 15, 2017

Doc Carr

Much Peace and Many Blessings for the Ford Family.

October 15, 2017

Pastor John Jones

October 15, 2017

David L.

Mr. Ford was the voice of calm and reason. A statesman and pioneer. To his family, thank you for sharing him with the rest of us and may the Peace of the Lord be with you, always!

October 13, 2017

Student

nathaniel M. Scott

Mrs. Ford you have my condolences
Mr. Ford was my role model and I would not be the man I am had it not been for Mr. Ford. I loved him as a Second father. You can rest assure he is in heaven and we will see him again.

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Memorial Events
for James Ford,

Oct

15

Memorial service

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee

700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312

Funeral services provided by:

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee

700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312

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