James A. Dr. Ford

Dr. James A. “Papa” Ford, 85, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019, at his home in Johnson City.
Jim and family moved to Johnson City in 1983. He was the son of the late Kenneth and Mary Alice Ford.
Jim graduated from New Trier High School in Glenview, Illinois in 1951, where he was an outstanding swimmer setting numerous state and school records. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering), and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering), he was also a member of the University swim team. In 1957, he obtained his Master of Science in Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) and in 1962 he was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy (Metallurgical Engineering) from the University of Michigan. He served as Chairman of the Connecticut section of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers from 1971-1972. He was awarded “Fellow” of the American Society for Metals in recognition of his distinguished contributions in the field of Metals and Materials on October 8, 1986. This represents his accomplishments for outstanding research contributions in the area of aluminum, specialty metals and heavy metals, and the ability to couple research to business requirements. He served as president of the Federation of Materials and Society in 1985-1986.
Jim was an assistant high school hockey coach at Parkway West High School in Ballwin, Missouri in 1978-1979, a member of the North Haven Jaycee’s, and he devoted many hours of volunteer service to the United Way.
After he retired, his favorite past time was fly fishing and gardening, specializing in Dahlias for which he received multiple awards. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, attending and supporting them in the many different sporting events, and celebrating their numerous successes and achievements.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by: one sister, Ann Ford; one child, Douglas “DJ” Hanneken; one grandchild, James A. Ford II; his first wife, Mary JoAnn Ford; and cousin, Mary Dixie.
Survivors include: his wife of forty-four years, Louise Ford; five daughters, Wendy “Bird” Ford, Suellen “Pumpkin” Ford, Lisa “Lee Lee” Ford and fiance John Fant, Mary Ann “Mimi” Jaster and husband Steven, and Christina Quercia; five sons, Kenneth “Yogi” Ford and wife Eliene, Stephen “Boo-Boo, Beaver” Ford, Daniel Hanneken, Donald Hanneken, James “Chip” Hanneken and wife Leslie; one brother, Howard Ford and wife Christine; 30 grandchildren, Jared, Sarah, Rhiannon, Daniel, Jesse, Carissa, Anne, Erin, Rachael, Whitney, Alex, Riley, Stephen, Jameson, Gregory, Lisa, Nathaniel, Ashley, Taylor, Steven, Joseph, Christopher, Matthew, Danielle, Daniel, Brittany, Kala, Ellie, Jobe and Eli; 22 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; niece, Samantha Brown and husband Ryan; nephew, Bradley Ford and wife Lauren; great niece, Aria; and cousin, Leslie.
In celebration of his life, services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Glenview Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, where he will be interred in the memorial garden with his father, mother and sister.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, https://donations.diabetes.org