Rev. James Martin Ford, 79, of Hickory, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Catawba Valley Assisted Living at Rock Barn.
He was born January 27, 1943, in Catawba County to the late Forest Blake Ford and Henrietta Edwards Ford. James was a United States Army veteran and a Methodist minister.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bill Mitchem.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Brenda Young Ford of Conover; stepson James Hildebran and wife Wendy of Hickory; daughter Vickie Shaw and husband Thomas of Buena Vista, Ga.; stepdaughter Beverly Hildebran of California; sisters Susie Shook and husband Forrest of Newton, Teresa Mitchem of Conover; and seven grandchildren.
A graveside service with military honors to celebrate James’ life was held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Eastview Cemetery in Newton. Rev. Tommy Young officiated.
Memorials may be made to The United Methodist Association, PO Box 2757, Huntersville, NC 28070.
Condolences may be sent to the Ford family at
www.bennettfuneralservice.com.
