James P. Ford

James P. (Jim) Ford , 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening June 18, 2025 at the Shepherd of the Valley in Liberty.

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

Jim attended St. Anthony’s grade school in Bridgeport, Ohio and graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1948. After high school graduation, he moved to Canton, Ohio to be near his brother, Jack and his wife Marge, and attended Kent State University, graduating in December 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and in 1958 completed a Master of Science 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 on November 10, 2022.

Jim served in the United States Army based in Germany from 1954 to 1956 and sadly, while in Germany, he and Ann lost their first child, Richard (Dickie) at 15 months old.  Shortly after, Ann joined Jim in Germany, and they got to experience living in another country.  When they returned to Ohio, they 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 6th grade teacher and then as a principal after completing his master’s degree.  He served as principal at several schools but for 27 years at Lincoln Elementary School. Jim retired in 1989 and some of his students and teachers still stop to greet him and share memories.

Jim was a member of Saint Pope John XXIII Parish - Saint Stephen Church from 1954-present. He served on the education committee of Parish Council where he instituted the Tuition Angel Fund in support of the school, served as a lector, and assisted with the 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 the Friends of the Library at Niles 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 DePaul retail store.

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

Most of all, Jim loved time with family especially at 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) 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), Senator 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 from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday September 5, 2025 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday September 6, 2025 at Saint Stephen Church.  Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

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