Passed Away On: 05/15/2019
James Joseph Ford
June 28, 1957-May 15, 2019
Resident of Hollister
Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Hollister on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. A self-employed businessperson, he is preceded in death by his father Stanley J. Ford in 2009, his younger brother Jeffrey E. Ford in 2012 and his mother, Sharon L. Ford in 2013. Jim was the 2nd of 5 children born to Stanley J. Ford, an Air Force Officer and Sharon L. Ford in 1957 at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California. As the son of an Air Force Officer Jim lived at numerous bases throughout the country during his childhood as was a self-described “Air Force Brat”. He graduated from Atwater High School in 1975 and continued on to San Jose State University and became a founding member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity where he met several of his lifelong friends. In 1991, Jim was blessed with his daughter Shelby. In 2006 he married his beloved bride Sherry Hale and they lived many years down the street from Jim’s parents before relocating to their dream home in Hollister in 2011 down the street from his sister.
Among Jim’s greatest passions were playing, singing and listening to music. This led him and some of his friends to form the band “Rukus” in the mid 1980’s which performed at many local venues over the years. In later years, Jim and more of his friends formed “Wet Monkey Love” and continued to perform music locally. He also enjoyed staging “jam sessions” at his home for the entertainment of family and friends.
Jim loved sports especially rooting for his beloved Raiders and Sharks. He was very involved in his daughter Shelby’s softball career starting in middle school and continuing through high school and college. He also loved playing and watching golf.
Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife and was fortunate to experience many wonderful places including Australia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Sherry, his step-son Nicolas Manzano-Hale and his devoted daughter Shelby Ford Casas and son-in-law Richard Casas of Hollister, CA. He is also survived by his brothers Michael Ford and Gregory Ford and his sister Karen Ford Martinez.
More than anything Jim treasured his family and his many friends. Jim had a welcoming and giving heart. He is beloved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life at the Transfiguration Church, 4325 Jarvis Ave., San Jose on May 30, 2019. Service begins at 10:30 AM. Aloha or Game Day Attire is requested by the family to celebrate Jim’s passion for sports and travel. Inurnment will be private.