James Russell Ford, Sr.

James Russell Ford, Sr., 82, of Riverton, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Country Lane Memory Care. He was born March 12, 1940, in Louisville, KY, the son of Clara Rogers. James was raised by his grandparents, John and Anna Rogers and they preceded him in death. He married Carolyn Mae Kincaid on March 12, 1960 and she preceded him in death March 20, 2020.

He is survived by his son, James Russell (Robin) Ford, Jr. of Spaulding; daughter, Robin (Jeff) Miller-Ellison of Athens; three grandchildren, Amber (fiance’ Preston Lindsey) Nicole Ford, Justin Thomas Ford, and Cheyenne Autumn Miller; three step-grandchildren, Ryan (Megan) Flanagan, Devyn (Brea) Flanagan and Sean (Melissa) Flanagan; eight step-great-grandchildren; and aunt, Audrey Jasmon of Springfield.

Jim was a United States Navy Veteran serving from 1957-1963.

Jim worked for Precision Auto-body and owned and operated Jim Ford’s Auto-body and Paint. He retired from the State of Illinois Secretary of State. He was a member of the Cool Cruisers and the VFW.

Jim enjoyed rebuilding and painting vintage cars and custom motorcycles. He rebuilt and restored a 1939 Ford Coupe for which he won many awards at numerous car shows that he and Carolyn attended. Jim was an excellent shot with a bow and arrow and won many awards.  Some of his favorite activities were hunting and fishing, mountain man reenactment Rendezvous with his wife, Carolyn, vacations in Colorado with his family, Illini basketball, watching western movies, attending car and motorcycle races, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Private services will be held. Burial will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the USO or Parkinson’s Foundation.

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