1933
2017
James Henry Ford passed away at his home Saturday, October 28. Born September 29, 1933, he was the son of the late Dorothy English and Thomas Martin Ford. Jim was preceded in death by his two brothers, Thomas Martin Ford, Jr. and Judge John English Ford, his sister-in-law Irma Wright Ford, and a niece, Elizabeth May Ford. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra Turner Ford, a daughter, Margaret Ford Gregory (Carlyle), Falls Church, Virginia, a son James Martin Ford (Cindy), Augusta, Georgia, and grandchildren Wesley Gary Jerrell (Betsy) Aiken, S.C., Sandra Elizabeth Ford, James Carlyle Gregory, and Charlotte Allison Gregory, a nephew, John English Ford II (Kim), Martinsville and a sister-in-law, Jane Johnson Ford, Richmond, VA.
A native of Martinsville, he attended Martinsville High School, Roanoke College and the University of Virginia Law School and was a practicing attorney in Martinsville for 58 years until his death.
Jim was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, Martinsville, where he served as a Deacon and Elder, and also as Clerk of Session for many years. As an active member of the community, he was a founding member of Piedmont Arts Association, and served as one of its early presidents. He was a member of the Martinsville Jaycees, served as president and was the recipient of a life membership and it's Distinguished Service Award. He served as president of both the YMCA and Kiwanis and, until last year, could be found cooking sausage at the Kiwanis Pancake Sale. He was a member of the Blue Ridge Boy Scout Council for over 40 years and was the recipient of the Scout Silver Beaver Award. For many years he served as Chairman of the Martinsville Planning Commission and as Secretary of the United Fund of Martinsville and Henry County. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund. As an active member of the Martinsville and Virginia State Bar, he served two terms on the Virginia State Bar Council.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Martinsville, with a reception following in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1901 Patrick Henry Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.
Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsvile.
To express condolences online, please go to www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home - Martinsville.
November 15, 2017
Celi Zini Stoutamire
I was saddened to read that Jimmy Ford passed away. He was an alumni of Roanoke College and a faithful supporter. Jimmy married a beautiful Salem girl! Sandra, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
November 11, 2017
Loretta Joyce
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
November 10, 2017
Lorrie Teegen
I have truly loved working with this wonderful man for many years! His wisdom and warm personality will be missed by many! Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers!
November 9, 2017
Deepest sympathies and condolences.
God bless your family,
Ted, Ruby, & Anthia Balabanis
November 9, 2017
Sandra, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Keeping you in my prayers.
Paulette Willard (Glen Allen, VA)
November 6, 2017
So sorry to hear about Jim Sandra. He was a great guy and I also enjoyed our frequent banters. He will be greatly missed by all>
November 4, 2017
Susan Reaghard
I honestly don't know how to express myself at this time. My heart is breaking,
because another vital member of our family has left this world. Sandra, you, and the rest of the family are in Jim's and my prayers. Jimmy's in great company and I can imagine he's smiling his famous smile at this very minute. Love to all, Jim and Susan Reaghard
November 3, 2017
Cecil Robbins
Sandra, my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family. I can't remember a time when I saw Jimmy without a smile on his face and I'm sure he's smiling now.
November 1, 2017
Judy Edwards
Sandra, I was saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was a great man and deeply respected by all who knew him. Please know you and your children are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
October 31, 2017
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
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