James Ford

James Leroy Ford, fondly known as “Jimmy” to his family and friends was born on February 19, 1949, in the Plantersville section of Georgetown County, South Carolina to parents Robert and Eather Ford. Upon arriving in New Haven as a boy he joined with his family Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in which his membership has spanned over sixty (60) years. He attended New Haven public schools and graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1967. Jimmy graduated from high school as the Vietnam War escalated and was drafted into military service. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971. He also served in the National Guard 1976-1979. Upon returning from military service, he started employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs, beginning in warehousing and supplies, to management as Environmental Care Supervisor . His VA employment provided on-going training opportunities and certifications throughout his forty-two (42) years employment. He was the recipient of the prestigious Veteran’s Administration “Pioneer Award” presented in 2011 to him in recognition of “Sustained Service to our Nations’ Veterans”. Jimmy was a member of Widow’s Son Lodge #1 Prince Hall Mason and served as Worshipful Master 1988-1989. He was also a member of Holy Royal Arch Mason-Eureka Chapter #1; New Haven Consistory #7; Scottish Right; Arabic Temple #40 Shrine. He held many positions in the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of CT. Jimmy was also a member of the East Rock Lodge #141, Elks I.B.P.O.E. of the World. Jimmy enjoyed traveling and visiting other states in the U.S. He enjoyed football, baseball, fishing and hunting. He was a great supporter of the football players in the family including his cousins and later his son. Jimmy was the older brother for the family here in CT for many years. It was a yearly ritual on Christmas Eve, that he would visit his cousins’ home (after the clubs closed) to cheer them on with music and singing during their late -night cooking in preparation for the family Annual Christmas Party/Open House. Jimmy left us for eternal rest on April 6, 2025. He was pre-deceased by his parents, maternal grandparents Leila Neal Parker and George Parkerand cherished daughter Crystal Denise Ford. He loved his entire family and was very proud of his grandsons: LeBron James Ford, Brycen James Ford and Mayson Daniel Ford. He leaves to cherish loving memories his son James Adam Ford (Tereze) and grandsons, of Hamden; sister Charlena Ford Onyebor of South Carolina; Andrew Jackson White( Carol) Dallas Texas; Bruce Alston(Dale) George Alston, Rhonda Alston all from Philadelphia, PA; nephew BJ Ford; former wife Annie Ford Wade; mother-in-law Mrs. Pearline Bromell, sister-in-law’s Rev. Dr. Elsa Syndab, Rev. Barbara Grier, Loretta Morant, Marsha Stanley(Chris), all from Georgetown, S.C.; and aunt Helen Greene of Orlando, FL and a host of loving cousinsand friends.

James Ford

February 19, 1949 - April 6, 2025