James P. Ford 1930-2025

He was born June 23, 1930, in Holidays Cove, W.Va., to John S. and Marie Behres Ford.

Jim attended St. Anthony’s grade school in Bridgeport and graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1948. After high school graduation, he moved to Canton to be near his brother, Jack, and his wife, Marge. He attended Kent State University, graduating in December 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and in 1958, completed a Master of Science degree in elementary administration.

On June 15, 1953, Jim married Ann, who was the love of his life, and they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary prior to her passing Nov. 10, 2022.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1954 to 1956. Sadly, while in Germany, he and Ann lost their first child, Richard “Dickie,” at 15 months old. Shortly after, Ann joined Jim in Germany. Following their experience living in another country, they returned to Ohio and made their forever home on Lincoln Avenue in Niles, where they raised their seven children.

Jim served 31 years in the Niles City Schools, first as a sixth-grade teacher, then as a principal after completing his master’s degree. He served as principal at several schools but spent 27 years at Lincoln Elementary School. After Jim retired in 1989, some of his students and teachers still stopped to greet him and share memories.

Jim was a member of St. Pope John XXIII Parish-St. Stephen Church from 1954 to the present. He served on the education committee of the parish council, where he instituted the Tuition Angel Fund in support of the school, served as a lector and assisted with St. Stephen Boy Scout Troop 33 as treasurer. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Niles Council 1681 and Christian Family Movement (CFM), and worked with couples before marriage in PreCANA. He was the first president of Friends of the Library at McKinley Memorial Library.

He lived for 30 years at Nob Hill Condos and served several terms as treasurer and president for the Nob Hill Condo Association. He also volunteered for several years at the St. Vincent de Paul retail store.

Jim enjoyed reading, walking and playing cards, including bridge, euchre and pinochle. He enjoyed exercising at St. Joe’s at the Mall well into his 90s. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians / Guardians and Notre Dame Irish fan.

Most of all, Jim loved time with family, especially during holidays and vacations at Pymatuning and Atwood lakes, and wintering at their condo in Delray Beach, Florida.

Jim is survived by seven children, Mary Kay Ingersoll (Mike Perrotta) of Fairport, New York, Ellen S. Ford of Niles, James R. Ford (Anne), also of Niles, Peter K. (Marcia) Ford of Champion, John D. Ford of Niles, Sally A. (David) Chronister of East Liverpool and Patricia M. Bennett of Dublin; 14 grandchildren, Gregory Holtz, Leeann Ingersoll (Justin Ilowite), Sen. J.D. Ford, Jennifer Skocik (Mark Olsen), Samantha Ford, Melissa (Chris) Logan, Kathryn “Katie” (Matt) Crossley, Emily (Paul) Davis, Brianna Chronister, Alana Chronister, Kylie Chronister, Bridgette Chronister, Kaitlyn (Evan) Matheney and Mackenzie Bennett (Brendan Moore); and nine great-grandchildren, Carter Holtz, Evan Holtz, A.J. Skocik, Olivia Skocik, Ben Crossley, Nate Crossley, Baylen Davis, Banks Davis and Evander Matheney.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann F. Dischinger Ford; his son, Richard Louis Ford, who died in 1954; brother, John T. Ford; and sisters, Betty Glaser and Dorothy Healy.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at St. Pope John XXIII Parish – St. Stephen Church, Niles.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Stephen, addressed to St. Pope John XXIII Parish-St. Stephen Church, 381 Robbins Ave., Niles, OH 44446.

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