James Henry Lee Ford, Jr., a Williamsburg resident since 2009, died March 10, 2014.
He was born March 1,1934 in Hollywood to James Henry Lee Ford and Elizabeth Mary Cooke Ford. Mr. Ford enjoyed a life that allowed him to travel and live throughout America and around the world. Fishing, perhaps his most favored pastime, was followed by traveling and reading. He enjoyed music, art and good food and wine, particularly as gateways to learning about new cultures, people and their landscapes.
Mr. Ford appreciated the 19 years he spent with his Ecumenical Bible Study group and his work with students at Bridgeport Public School, Cesar Botaglia, for 10 years. His love of nature translated to years of service on the Nature Center Board in Westport, Conn.
He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1955 and started a productive career in sales marketing and management. He worked in real estate sales in Albuquerque, N.M. before relocating to California to pursue a successful career with Owens Corning Fiberglass, Inc. From the residential to the industrial sector, Mr. Ford built a strong sales program for Owens Corning which moved him up to regional manager, working out of Denver, and later to vice president of International Marketing out of their offices in New York City.
While living in Westport, Conn., Mr. Ford was recruited to an international marketing firm, Glendenning Associates, that took his family overseas to Caracas, Venezuela. Recognized for his creative marketing and branding expertise, he joined several colleagues as one of the founding partners of Marketing Corporation of America (MCA) back in Westport, Conn. After his successful career with MCA, Mr. Ford returned to his work in commercial real estate sales and development, retiring in 2009.
Mr. Ford and his wife, Maureen “Pinkie” Morrissey Ford, moved to Williamsburg in 2009 to be closeer to family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, James Henry Lee Ford, III and William Charles Ford.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter, Kathryne Elizabeth, husband, David W. Carr, Jr. and their children, Wilkinson Micajah Carr and Martha Maureen Doran Carr; daughter, Maryellen, husband, John Ross Elliott and their daughter, Elizabeth Ford Elliott; former wife of his son, James, Mary Kujan and their children, Melissa Ford, James Henry Lee Ford, IV and wife, Mabel and Amy Ford; and daughter, Maureen Lee and husband, Andrew Bates. Mr. Ford also leaves an extended network of family and friends.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2014, at St. Bede Church in Williamsburg. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. March 17, 2014, at St. Luke’s Church in Westport, Conn.
Gifts may be made to St. Bede Parish, Adult Faith Formation Program, Ironbound Ave., Williamsburg, VA; Williamsburg Symphonia, P.O. Box 400, Williamsburg, VA ,23817; or Bridgeport Public Education Fund, 446 University Ave., Bridgeport, CT, 06604.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg.
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