Jesse James Ford Sr. 1947-2011

FORD JOHNSON FRANKLIN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/26/2011 at 19:24:31

Sioux City Journal
21 January 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Jesse James Ford Sr. of Sioux City died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, at a Sioux City nursing home.

Services will be 1 p.m. today at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. The Rev. Jesse Dupree of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jesse was born Feb. 10, 1947, in Yatley, Ala., the son of Willie James and Jessie Pearl (Johnson) Ford. He came to Sioux City at the age of 5. He earned an associate of business degree, and was a certified substance abuse counselor. Jesse was a licensed journeyman plumber.

He married Sara Franklin on June 8, 1968, in Sioux City.

He was an active member of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. He was the Sunday School superintendent and had a tract ministry at the church. Jesse also completed the Salvation Army Bible School. Jesse was a champion weightlifter in his 30s and received many awards and trophies. He was also the runner-up in the Mr. Nebraska Body Building Contest. The purpose of Jesse's life was to carry out the gospel of Jesus Christ.

His is survived by his beloved friend, Sara of Sioux Falls, S.D.; his daughter, Venus Schrader and her husband, Randy of Wilmington, N.C.; his son, Jesse James Ford Jr. of Sioux Falls; his daughter, Sarisa Ford of Sioux Falls; his father, the Rev. Willie James Ford; his grandchildren, Nathaniel, Andrea, Sara, Little Isa, Jessica, Javon, Jesse III, Jataya, Joslyn, Omara, Samiah, Omar Jr.; great-grandchildren, Esther Pearl, De'shia and Jamison; his brothers and sisters, Bessie, Harvey, Carolyn, Glen and Darlene.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie; and his sister, Dessie.