FORD - Dr. James F. Ford, aged 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away January 23, 2001 after a long illness.

He will be remembered by his family, friends, and former patients as a most gentle and compassionate man. We have lost a devoted friend, kind spirit and genuine heart. He was highly regarded as an Optometrist who loved his work and cared deeply about his patients.

He was a graduate of Northern Illinois College of Optometry and was in private practice in Grand Rapids from 1950 until his retirement in 1995. He is a life member of the Michigan and American Optometric Associations.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially golf. He was a 40 year member of Cascade Hills Country Club, a 50 year Monarch of the Grand Rapids Lions Club and a 50 year member of the American Legion.

He was an ever-devoted husband, father and step father. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara, whom he cared for through a long illness of her own, and a brother, Thomas Ford.

He is survived by his caring wife of 12 years, Sonya Evenson-Ford; two daughters and two sons, Martha Postema of Grand Rapids, Emily (James) Tremoulis of Winchester, Virginia, Robert (Karen) Ford of Grand Rapids and Gregory (Carla) Ford of Grand Rapids; four step children, Deb Evenson of Grand Rapids, Cindy (Bud) LaCombe of West Bloomfield, Cheri (Mike) Yost of Ada, and Bob (Liz) Evenson III of Grand Rapids; 12 grandchildren and five step grandchildren; his brothers, Hon. Gerald (Betty) Ford and Richard (Ellen) Ford; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Friday at 1:00 PM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Porter Hills Foundation or Parkinson's Educational Program. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM and Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE at Kenmoor, E of I-96.

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., Jan. 24, 2001, Pg. D6