James Edward Ford, 78, died April 19, 2021, at his home in Claremore following a two and a half year struggle with Pancreatic cancer. Born March 29, 1943, in Tulsa, he was the eldest son of Edward and Julia Ford, who preceded him in death. He is survived by wife, Judy; son and daughter-in-law, Keith Ford and Beatriz Suarez Portocarrero, and daughter, Kasey Ford. Jim also leaves a brother, Paul Ford and wife Frieda, brother Doug Ford and wife Sandra, sister-in-law Jana Asebedo, brother-in-law Rex Gaither and wife Janiece, aunts Wilma Huff and Sylvia Ford, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. A graduate of Tulsa Central High School in 1961, he soon joined the U.S. Air Force where he served 4 years, spending time in Texas, Alaska, Bermuda, Greenland, Peru, and Florida. Returning from the service, he was employed at Douglas Aircraft Company for a year before being hired as an aircraft mechanic at American Airlines Maintenance Center in Tulsa. After about 17 years, he became an inspector in Quality Control there. After 35 years with AA, he retired in 2003. A man of many talents, Jim's hobbies included golf, bowling, water skiing, boating, playing all kinds of card games and dominoes, and even did some bow fishing and scuba diving. He liked being able to fix anything that might be broken. Back in the 80's he customized a Dodge van, and he always did the maintenance on his own cars and even performed a little auto body work and painting, when the need arose. During his lifetime, he built two homes for his family. Several pieces of furniture he built continue to remind us of his talent and creativity. Traveling was an important part of his life. Favorite places were Whidbey Island, WA; Maui, Hawaii; and Florida. He enjoyed taking cruises to the Caribbean, but his favorite trip by far was an Expedition Cruise to the Galapagos Islands. A loving, talented, caring man, Jim lives on in the fond memories of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift donation to cancer research.