James M. Ford

James “Happy/Punchie” Ford, affectionately known as Coach Ford, was born in Edenborn Township, Uniontown Pennsylvania, on February 12, 1934. Ford’s parents, Robert and Blanche Ford preceded him in death before he reached high school. His one and only sister Ira Mae “Honey” Fisher also preceded him in death. He was raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Iris Harvin. From German High School in Pennsylvania to Lincoln University in Missouri, Coach Ford played football at Lincoln for four years and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. Ford began his lifelong membership to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Lincoln University. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army where he continued playing football for the Army for two years. Ford returned to Missouri to marry his college sweetheart, Iona Robinson. Ford was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis and in Edenborn Township. He also was a member of the Royal Vagabonds Inc. Ford started his career in education in the St. Louis Public Schools at Dunbar Elementary, then moved on to his beloved Vashon High School, where he was Assistant Coach, Head Coach, Administrator, and Athletic Director from 1969 until he retired in 2003. He found his family and purpose at Vashon High School where he became “Pops,” to all. Ford earned a master’s degree in athletic administration. Coach Ford was a father figure to Phyllis and Kevin, and a lot of students too, ask Anthony Mitchell. His neighbor and adopted son, Sidney Fitzpatrick took care of Ford, and still takes care of the house. In 2017, The Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame in Pennsylvania inducted “Jim “Happy” Ford into the Hall of Fame, for his athletic achievements in Football as well as Basketball and Track & Field at German Township High School. His love and companion of many years, Angela “Ann” Lattimore, Adam, whom he raised as his son, and Little Miss; Autumn (granddaughter), the apple of Ford’s eyes; Tracy Stamp Ivy, his goddaughter, (Lori Ann Cross, his late goddaughter); the Ford Family of Tennessee, Percy & Cynthia and family, and the Ford Family of Texas, Reggie & Regina and family; his St. Louis Family, Phyllis & Phillip, Kevin & Devin, and Flora Robinson; Ford had two Brothers in Christ, Oliver and Bobbie Holmes that have been with him throughout his life, and he talked about them until he couldn’t talk anymore, they lifted his spirits; Ford will live on in all of us because we all have a story to tell about Ford.

James M. Ford

February 12, 1934 - April 4, 2021