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James Charles “Jim” Ford

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James Charles “Jim” Ford Veteran

Birth
Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA
Death
2 May 2018 (aged 86)
Sealy, Austin County, Texas, USA
Burial
Sealy, Austin County, Texas, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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James Charles Ford (Jim), age 86, passed away in Sealy, Texas on May 2, 2018. He was born on October 17, 1931 in St. Louis Missouri to Bernays and Charles Ford, as the first and only son of four children.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents, Bernays and Charles; his youngest sister, Joy Brauer; and his son-in-law, Brian Zapalac.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Zapalac; son, Charles and wife, Melissa; five grandchildren, Stacy Okonski and husband, Daryl, Leslie Anderson and husband, Brent, Keith Zapalac and wife, Dana, Charlie Ford, Christopher Ford and wife, Beth; eleven great-grandchildren, Brandt, Ally, and Tyler Okonski, Andie, Ford, and Shepherd Anderson, Brian, Beau, and Austyn Zapalac, Gatlin and Remington Ford; and two sisters, Jean Buisinger and husband, Ron, and Joan Boldt.

Jim grew up and attended school in St. Louis Missouri. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1949; attended Westminster College for one year, and then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis.

In 1950, he enlisted in the US Airforce. After basic training, Jim was sent to supply school at Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was an outstanding golfer and upon arriving in Cheyenne a few days early, he broke the course record at the base golf course. This vaulted him into becoming the golf pro for the base. During his service he represented Warren AFB in tournaments around the country. It was there that he met his future wife, Betty Scott, and returned to St. Louis after his tour was over.

Upon returning to St. Louis, he joined A. G. Edwards and Sons, an investment firm. After several years in the home office, Jim moved to Houston, Texas to manage an A. G. Edwards office. He continued to work in the investment industry until his retirement in 1991. In addition to being an outstanding golfer and athlete, Jim was an avid reader, wine enthusiast, and lover of fine foods. Nothing gave him more pleasure than hearing about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many accomplishments.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Emery's Buffalo Creek, 10827 TX-36, Bellville, TX 77418 on Tuesday, May 15, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County, 540 West Main Street, Bellville, Texas 77418, or Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy, Texas 77474.

A special note of appreciation goes to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County and Life Changes Home Care, and to Stephanie Rosas and Sandy Wietstruck for their special attention and loving care for him in the last few months.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapel; 768 Fourth Street; Sealy, Texas 77474. (979) 885-3535. www.knesekfuneralhome.com.
James Charles Ford (Jim), age 86, passed away in Sealy, Texas on May 2, 2018. He was born on October 17, 1931 in St. Louis Missouri to Bernays and Charles Ford, as the first and only son of four children.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents, Bernays and Charles; his youngest sister, Joy Brauer; and his son-in-law, Brian Zapalac.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Zapalac; son, Charles and wife, Melissa; five grandchildren, Stacy Okonski and husband, Daryl, Leslie Anderson and husband, Brent, Keith Zapalac and wife, Dana, Charlie Ford, Christopher Ford and wife, Beth; eleven great-grandchildren, Brandt, Ally, and Tyler Okonski, Andie, Ford, and Shepherd Anderson, Brian, Beau, and Austyn Zapalac, Gatlin and Remington Ford; and two sisters, Jean Buisinger and husband, Ron, and Joan Boldt.

Jim grew up and attended school in St. Louis Missouri. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1949; attended Westminster College for one year, and then transferred to Washington University in St. Louis.

In 1950, he enlisted in the US Airforce. After basic training, Jim was sent to supply school at Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was an outstanding golfer and upon arriving in Cheyenne a few days early, he broke the course record at the base golf course. This vaulted him into becoming the golf pro for the base. During his service he represented Warren AFB in tournaments around the country. It was there that he met his future wife, Betty Scott, and returned to St. Louis after his tour was over.

Upon returning to St. Louis, he joined A. G. Edwards and Sons, an investment firm. After several years in the home office, Jim moved to Houston, Texas to manage an A. G. Edwards office. He continued to work in the investment industry until his retirement in 1991. In addition to being an outstanding golfer and athlete, Jim was an avid reader, wine enthusiast, and lover of fine foods. Nothing gave him more pleasure than hearing about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many accomplishments.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Emery's Buffalo Creek, 10827 TX-36, Bellville, TX 77418 on Tuesday, May 15, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County, 540 West Main Street, Bellville, Texas 77418, or Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library, 917 North Circle Drive, Sealy, Texas 77474.

A special note of appreciation goes to Compassionate Care Hospice of Austin County and Life Changes Home Care, and to Stephanie Rosas and Sandy Wietstruck for their special attention and loving care for him in the last few months.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapel; 768 Fourth Street; Sealy, Texas 77474. (979) 885-3535. www.knesekfuneralhome.com.


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