James Edward Ford, 72, of Camby, passed away Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 at home. He was born December 4th, 1947 in Clay County, Tennessee to the late Hoy Edward and Maggie Bell (Melton) Ford. He married Linda (Edwards) Ford on September 5,1967. He grew up in Clay County Tennessee and came to Indiana when he was 18, living most of his life in Indianapolis.
James is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Linda (Edwards) Ford of Camby; three children: Jamie Ford of Indianapolis, Tammy (David) Olmstead of Mooresville, and Sherri (Matthew) Pinkham of NC; five grandchildren: William Ford, Megan Overby, Stephen Olmstead, Joshua Pinkham and Emily Pinkham; three great grandchildren: Amirah Olmstead, Raelynn Overby, and Gemma Overby; one sister, Ruth Boles of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Russell Ford; and two sisters, Edith Jones and Hettie Clift.
James served in the 101st Airborne as an SP4 in the army during the Vietnam War. He served from September 21, 1967 to August 12, 1969. He was injured in combat and received two purple hearts. He was a hero not just to his country but to his family as well. He made his entire family proud. Anyone who was fortunate to know him knew what a wonderful man he was. James later went on to work for General Motors - Allison Transmission as a machine repair man for 32 years, before retiring in 2009. He loved fishing and going on annual fishing trips with his family to Shakamak State Park. James was a member of the Local Union #933.
We lost the anchor of our family. He taught us to treat everyone with respect, to give generously, to love travel and what it means to be a family. We were privileged to grow up believing in love stories because we got to
witness an amazing one between our parents who have been married 52 years. He was a loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing made him happier than family gatherings. He loved seeing new things and was a big kid at heart. He always enjoyed the rides at Disney World and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke and have a good time. For the past 48 years, one of the highlights of each year was spending family time at Shakamak State Park, where extended family and friends would gather and enjoy fishing, sitting around the campfire and spending time together.
To his wife, he was the most amazing and loving husband anyone could ask for. She will always celebrate the memories and shared experiences. He was always by her side through good times and bad. A piece of her
heart was lost with him.
Due to the unprecedented guidelines limiting public gatherings at this time, the family will have a private gathering at Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville. Reverend Glenda Survance will officiate a graveside service to follow. James will be laid to rest at Round Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in James's memory to Churches in Mission, 27 S. Indiana Street, Mooresville, IN 46158. www.churchesinmission.org, 317-831-3987
To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about James, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com