James “Jim” Ford
James “Jim” Ford, 87, of Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 7:30 AM, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at his home.
Friends and Family are invited to Jim’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra,
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Pastor Marty Smyser will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors performed by Boots- Dickson Post #174 of the American Legion will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.
Jim was born May 22, 1937, in Indian Creek, Mo., to Edward Burl Ford and Mary Leta Engle Ford. He was married to Lois Ann Baker on September 4, 1959, in Hannibal, Mo. She survives.
Other survivors include his Daughters, Mary Deeann McCune of Palmyra, MO, and Gayle Lynn Voepel (Doug) of Palmyra,, Grandchildren, Tracy Madden, Dustin McCune, Brian McCune, and Jessyka Humes, Great-Grandchildren, Sydney, Brayden, Corbyn, Rene, Spencer, Troy, Penelope, Peyton, Parker, Ian, Graycen, Daleilah, Blaykyn, Vaeda, Oakley, and Charlee, Great-Great Grandchildren, Karcyn, Madalyne, and Paisley.
Jim was preceded in death by his Parents, Brothers, William Ford, and Robert Ford, Sisters, Mary Winifred, Theresa Maddex, Margarat Mason, and Velma Ford, Son-in-Law, Jimmy McCune, and Grandson, Jaykob Voepel.
Jim served his country with pride in the United States Air Force before embarking on a 35-year career at Gardner Denver in Quincy, where he was respected for his skill and work ethic.
Jim’s early years were marked by his time at Holy Rosary Schools in Monroe City, where he honed his competitive spirit on the basketball court. His love for sports transitioned into a lifelong passion for NASCAR and dirt track racing, bringing excitement and joy into his weekends.
Music was another of Jim’s pleasures, with his tastes ranging from the twang of bluegrass to the soulful sounds of country and the timeless rhythms of classic rock. He found contentment in simple pleasures, like riding his beloved Gator “Walter” and spending quiet afternoons on his porch, sipping iced tea and watching the world go by. Jim’s legacy will live on and will be deeply missed.
Pallbearers will be Bob Maddex, Don Maddex, Jerry Maddex, David Maddex, Ernie Maddex, and Dirk Tweedell.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Loving Care Hospice.