Obituary for John H. Ford
Deacon John H. Ford was born April 28, 1937 in Dothan, Alabama. He is the son of the late James Garfield and Millie B. Ford. John was one of three children. He departed this life peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 with his beloved wife, Patricia Victoria by his side.
Family was everything to John. He was the calming personality that got along with everyone and he didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call to listen and provide counsel. When working, his beloved mother-in-law would call him to chat on his days off. He was truly blessed to have so many who loved him in his life. He would always say to his family, “Born in Alabama but a true New Yorker.” He loved sitting on his balcony looking at the city’s skyline and watching the planes coming into La Guardia Airport. He had a passion for Formula 1 racing cars. He enjoyed discussing the F1 Grand Prix races with his race-car-buddy, Edward Dowdy.
John was the epitome of a gentleman. He Joined Grace Baptist Church under his beloved Pastor, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. John was ordained as a Deacon at Grace in 2005. His favorite word was ‘COMMITMENT.’ He believed that if you give your word, you are committed to keep it. He was affectionately known by those who knew him as ‘Sir John’, a title of Royalty consistent with who he was. Deacon Ford was actively involved and supported many Ministries at Grace. He was a member of the Male Choir, Men’s Ministry, who recognized him as one of the distinguished men at Grace. He was also a Spiritual Advisor to the Women’s Ministry. John was a firm spiritual believer who had a servant’s heart. This scripture is applicable to him; To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge and time, it is expected that we use our gifts to benefit others. Even during his illness, Deacon Ford NEVER missed a Sunday giving back to God the blessings he was given. His word and commitment to God were sacred to him. His giving to Ministries that supported the children and youth was an example of his concern for the future generations.
John served in the United States Air Force, six years of active duty and four years in the Air Force Reserves, before leaving with an honorable discharge. John had a twenty-five (25) year career with the New York City Police Department. He served in the Midtown North and 32nd Precincts.
John was married to Patricia Victoria McDowell for 41 years. They reside in the Bronx where they are part of the Lafayette Morrison Co-op Community. John was a mentor to the young friends of his son Kevin, taking them to amusement parks, sightseeing, introducing them to music and helping them to become the Loving and Kind Persons God expects them to be. He provided knowledge and love, as well as discipline and common sense.
He also loved taking his Audi to be detailed, watching old western movies in black and white, the History Channel, National Geographic, The Rachel Maddow Show, Formula 1 races, wearing his Formula 1 hat, shirt and jacket, his sunglasses, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, going to Paul Stuart to buy another tie, and cooking prime rib roast during holidays.
John is predeceased in death by his parents, James Garfield and Mille B. Ford and sister Marjorie Ford Casey.
John leaves to cherish his loving memory, his devoted, caring and loving wife Patricia Victoria Ford, son Kevin McDowell (Nadia Rodriquez-McDowell) grandson, Kevin Jalen McDowell (Victoria McCaffery) granddaughter, Jiavanna Pagliaro McDowell, sister, Jane Ford Oliver, Aunt Doris Watson; Nieces, Cynthia Oliver, Maria Langston, Marlene S. Oliver, Lithalan Shingler, Corinth Robinson, Lashonia Michelle Murphy, Shakira Black, Sonia Chisholm, Fouchena Little, Brittany Kearse and Nia Bess; nephews, Ronald Lewis, Conor & Creighton Shingler, Montague Oliver, David Little, Kenneth L. Murphy, Antwane Brown Tre Little, Daniel McDowell, Jr., Dominque McDowell, Cedric Kearse and Elijah Bess; Goddaughter Romania Griffin, mother and father-in-law, Vida B. Kearse and Charlie Aaron Williams; sister-in-laws, Claretha Wade, Linda Murphy, Linda M. Bess, Rev. Dr. Sandra Kearse, and Kim McDowell; brother-in-laws, Carroll L. Kearse, Ron Bess, Daniel McDowell, Sidney McDowell, and Kenneth Murphy, Sr.; special family members Jasmine, Francena, Caroline, Josephine, Bill, Theresa, Mary, all neighbors at 880 Boynton Avenue; friends and colleagues from the New York Police Department- Ron Mack, Edward Clay, Charles Wells and John Kenny; his special circle-of-friends St. Clair Davis, Edward and E. Adell Dowdy, Sandra J. Price, Richard Thompson, Kenneth Woods, Robert Woodson, Clarence Youngs and his beloved Grace Baptist Church family. A very special appreciation to John’s caretakers from the Cornell Weill Medical Center, Dr. Andrew B. Tasslser, Dr. David M. Otterburn, Dr. Nicholas J. Sanfilippo, Dr. Ariel Blanchard, Dr. David McCullough, ALL OF THE NURSES AND CNA at 8 North ICU, 8 Central Special Surgery Unit.
John was a man of God and a person of faith. During his most challenging times, he never complained and when in obvious pain, would not ask for medication. He would say, “My life is in the Lord’s Hands.”
Scripture
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The John H. Ford Family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for every kindness, prayer or service extended during this time of sorrow.
Zoom Meeting Info:
https://zoom.us/j/92175139050?pwd=Z1A0SXNnOGlyQmp3S2w1Uyt1aWF6Zz09
Meeting ID: 921 7513 9050
Passcode: 987585
Family was everything to John. He was the calming personality that got along with everyone and he didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call to listen and provide counsel. When working, his beloved mother-in-law would call him to chat on his days off. He was truly blessed to have so many who loved him in his life. He would always say to his family, “Born in Alabama but a true New Yorker.” He loved sitting on his balcony looking at the city’s skyline and watching the planes coming into La Guardia Airport. He had a passion for Formula 1 racing cars. He enjoyed discussing the F1 Grand Prix races with his race-car-buddy, Edward Dowdy.
John was the epitome of a gentleman. He Joined Grace Baptist Church under his beloved Pastor, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. John was ordained as a Deacon at Grace in 2005. His favorite word was ‘COMMITMENT.’ He believed that if you give your word, you are committed to keep it. He was affectionately known by those who knew him as ‘Sir John’, a title of Royalty consistent with who he was. Deacon Ford was actively involved and supported many Ministries at Grace. He was a member of the Male Choir, Men’s Ministry, who recognized him as one of the distinguished men at Grace. He was also a Spiritual Advisor to the Women’s Ministry. John was a firm spiritual believer who had a servant’s heart. This scripture is applicable to him; To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge and time, it is expected that we use our gifts to benefit others. Even during his illness, Deacon Ford NEVER missed a Sunday giving back to God the blessings he was given. His word and commitment to God were sacred to him. His giving to Ministries that supported the children and youth was an example of his concern for the future generations.
John served in the United States Air Force, six years of active duty and four years in the Air Force Reserves, before leaving with an honorable discharge. John had a twenty-five (25) year career with the New York City Police Department. He served in the Midtown North and 32nd Precincts.
John was married to Patricia Victoria McDowell for 41 years. They reside in the Bronx where they are part of the Lafayette Morrison Co-op Community. John was a mentor to the young friends of his son Kevin, taking them to amusement parks, sightseeing, introducing them to music and helping them to become the Loving and Kind Persons God expects them to be. He provided knowledge and love, as well as discipline and common sense.
He also loved taking his Audi to be detailed, watching old western movies in black and white, the History Channel, National Geographic, The Rachel Maddow Show, Formula 1 races, wearing his Formula 1 hat, shirt and jacket, his sunglasses, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, going to Paul Stuart to buy another tie, and cooking prime rib roast during holidays.
John is predeceased in death by his parents, James Garfield and Mille B. Ford and sister Marjorie Ford Casey.
John leaves to cherish his loving memory, his devoted, caring and loving wife Patricia Victoria Ford, son Kevin McDowell (Nadia Rodriquez-McDowell) grandson, Kevin Jalen McDowell (Victoria McCaffery) granddaughter, Jiavanna Pagliaro McDowell, sister, Jane Ford Oliver, Aunt Doris Watson; Nieces, Cynthia Oliver, Maria Langston, Marlene S. Oliver, Lithalan Shingler, Corinth Robinson, Lashonia Michelle Murphy, Shakira Black, Sonia Chisholm, Fouchena Little, Brittany Kearse and Nia Bess; nephews, Ronald Lewis, Conor & Creighton Shingler, Montague Oliver, David Little, Kenneth L. Murphy, Antwane Brown Tre Little, Daniel McDowell, Jr., Dominque McDowell, Cedric Kearse and Elijah Bess; Goddaughter Romania Griffin, mother and father-in-law, Vida B. Kearse and Charlie Aaron Williams; sister-in-laws, Claretha Wade, Linda Murphy, Linda M. Bess, Rev. Dr. Sandra Kearse, and Kim McDowell; brother-in-laws, Carroll L. Kearse, Ron Bess, Daniel McDowell, Sidney McDowell, and Kenneth Murphy, Sr.; special family members Jasmine, Francena, Caroline, Josephine, Bill, Theresa, Mary, all neighbors at 880 Boynton Avenue; friends and colleagues from the New York Police Department- Ron Mack, Edward Clay, Charles Wells and John Kenny; his special circle-of-friends St. Clair Davis, Edward and E. Adell Dowdy, Sandra J. Price, Richard Thompson, Kenneth Woods, Robert Woodson, Clarence Youngs and his beloved Grace Baptist Church family. A very special appreciation to John’s caretakers from the Cornell Weill Medical Center, Dr. Andrew B. Tasslser, Dr. David M. Otterburn, Dr. Nicholas J. Sanfilippo, Dr. Ariel Blanchard, Dr. David McCullough, ALL OF THE NURSES AND CNA at 8 North ICU, 8 Central Special Surgery Unit.
John was a man of God and a person of faith. During his most challenging times, he never complained and when in obvious pain, would not ask for medication. He would say, “My life is in the Lord’s Hands.”
Scripture
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The John H. Ford Family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for every kindness, prayer or service extended during this time of sorrow.
Zoom Meeting Info:
https://zoom.us/j/92175139050?pwd=Z1A0SXNnOGlyQmp3S2w1Uyt1aWF6Zz09
Meeting ID: 921 7513 9050
Passcode: 987585