Obituary of James R. Ford

James R. Ford passed peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2019 with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 29^th at 10:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 5635 Berkshire Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.  Interment to follow at the church cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 28^th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville.  Donations in his name may be made to the good work of Creature Comforts Pet Therapy or the Morristown Seeing Eye by way of www.inmemof.org.  Please share your memories here.  His family will cherish them forever.

James was born in December of 1947 and was one of two sons to bless his parents.  After his schooling he met Lorraine Gutch and the rest was history.  After a brief courtship they married and made a home briefly in Massachusetts before moving back to New Jersey to raise a family of their own.  Jim worked hard at BASF for many years providing a good life for his family. After retirement he did some consulting work and then found his place at Centenary University teaching accounting.  He so enjoyed this and the friendships he made along the way.  When he wasn’t at work, he could be found reading a paper, keeping up with the news, discussing economics and politics or simply relaxing on the deck with his pup Liam.  Above everything though, he loved being surrounded by his eight adoring grandchildren.  Jim was over the moon to be the doting PopPop to his crew.  The sun rose and set on the kids and Jim couldn’t get enough of them.  He made sure everyone felt special all the time.  Even in his final hours Jim was smiling with his family beside him.  Although we are broken hearted by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he will be watching over his family with love and pride always.

He leaves beautiful memories to his wife Lorraine of 48 years; his children Rebecca Watkins (David), Jennifer Amin (Parthiv), Timothy Ford (Vanessa); his grandchildren Rachel, Matthew and Michael Watkins, Jasmine, Julie and Priya Amin and Reese and Leah Ford; his loyal canine Liam and many more dear relatives, friends and colleagues.