Recognizing the Life of James Oliver Ford

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of James Oliver Ford, known affectionately as J.O., Jimmy, Jim, or Ford, who peacefully passed away at the age of 79 on Thursday, February 1, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the eldest child of the late Oliver Ford, Jr. and Annie Mae Ford of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

James embraced Christianity at a young age and remained a dedicated member of McDonald United Methodist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He served his church fervently as an usher, choir member, assistant Sunday School teacher, and President of the McDonald United Methodist Church Board of Trustees.

Graduating from Pontotoc Attendance Center in 1963, James pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Jackson State University in 1967. He actively participated in Civil Rights movements, notably joining the historic James Meredith March of 1966 from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi. Subsequently, he pursued a Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi in 1970.

Following his studies, James commenced his legal career, initially with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services in Oxford, Mississippi, before establishing his practice in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1973. He played a significant role in advocating for integration in school districts across North Mississippi, addressing violations of Brown v. Board of Education. Throughout his life, James remained committed to seeking justice for his clients, participating in free legal clinics and serving as the City Prosecutor for Baldwyn, Mississippi.

Beyond his legal endeavors, he was elected President of the Concerned Citizens Coalition of Pontotoc. He also actively engaged in sports, particularly running and cycling, fostering camaraderie within the Pontotoc Runners and Bikers group.

James was a member of various organizations, including the Lee County NAACP, Black Business Association of Tupelo, and the Mississippi Bar Association. He also maintained a lifelong membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to justice and peace, James was honored with the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award by the Pontotoc MLK Dream Committee.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel H. Ford; two sons, Steven Ford of Denver, CO and J. Corey Ford of Atlanta, GA; two daughters, Kristi Listenbee of Tupelo, MS and Ashley Listenbee of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Antonio Lipsey, Kyle Ford, Matthew Rowe, and Laken Ruff; one great-granddaughter, Graycn; one brother, Barry Ford of Madison, MS; one sister, Phyllis (Rev. David) High of Pontotoc, MS; one brother-in-law, Hosie Holoman of Tupelo, MS; one sister-in-law, Joann (Barry) Ledbetter of Tupelo, MS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will cherish his memory dearly.

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