James S. Ford

Jim Ford, Jr. passed away on January 30, 2010 after a courageous battle against cancer. He hoped to be remembered as a lawyer and person who helped people who had nothing, for nothing. He loved to tell a good story, grab a barstool next to a friend, lend a hand to others when he could, and have fun. His laughter, humor, compassion and love will long be remembered by his wife Judy (Weimann) Ford, son Eric (Elisa) Ford, daughter Sara (Joe) Cardinale, and grandchildren Jordan and Tony Cardinale. Jim's siblings always buoyed his spirits, giving him reasons to laugh and joke even in his final days: Bill (DiAnn) Ford, Sally (Chuck) Salvano, Mary (David) Ravitch, Ruth (Greg) Schwedler, and Ann Ford. He is survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Jim is preceded in death by his mother Ruth (Robinson) Ford and father James S. Ford, Sr. Born on April 4, 1942 in Muskegon, MI, he moved to Benton Harbor in 1947 and graduated from St. John's Catholic High School in 1960. He graduated from St. Joseph's College in Rennsalear, IN in 1964, where he was involved in student government, football, and wrestling. Following a long family line of lawyers and judges, Jim graduated from the University of Detroit in 1967 with a Juris Doctorate. He entered private practice in 1970 and later became a partner in the law firm Burch, Banyon & Ford. Jim was a lifelong member of the Michigan Bar Association, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge 541, Fraternal Order of Police 96, and St. John & St. Bernard parish. Jim especially enjoyed the many years he coached sports to area youth, especially varsity football at Lake Michigan Catholic and Bridgman high schools. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 5, 2010 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware in Benton Harbor with Fr. William J. Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. and from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with prayers recited at 7:30 P.M. Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made in Jim's name to the American Cancer Society or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign the memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com