1952
James
2018
James Russell "Russ" Ford
July 30, 1952 — September 1, 2018
J. Russell Ford, 66, of Prairie Village, KS on Sept. 1, 2018 passed away in his home surrounded by love after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E.; 39th St. Independence, MO 64055 on Saturday September 8th from 9 -11 am.
Russ was born July 30, 1952 to James L Ford and Betty (Norris) Ford. He is survived by his loving wife Polly (Sipp) Ford of 47 years, married 43, son Thomas, daughter Alexandra, grandsons Fallon and Greyson, Father James L Ford and wife Pat, brother Paul and wife Sandy, and brother Jeff and wife Monica Ford.
Russ graduated from high school May 1970 in the top 5%, while attending he was an avid wrestler, taking 3rd in state, also a member of national forensic league. He then went on to Columbia College on a full scholarship, where he was class body president, and Phi Beta Kappa. He met the love of his life Polly (Sipp) Ford while attending. Russ graduated 1972, he went on to law school at UMKC and graduated from UMKC Law in 1977.
Russ was undeniably a great contributor to all of those around him and his community. He served with the Lions Club, which he donated his corneas to provide someone else with sight, loved working the chili dinners, and pancake breakfasts. He was an Eagle Scout of Troop 161 in Independence, MO. He was an adult leader of Troop 138, where he wanted to help kids know their potential and create a great sense of accomplishment for them to go on to do great things.
There are several monumental moments of his life, too many to write, we all have a great story of him. His smile, his compassion, sense of humor, and love of life were contagious. He was a great husband, proud father, even prouder Papa to his grandkids. He had a great love of food, blues, and laughter.
He was known and loved by many. A bright, fun loving person that enjoyed every moment he had on this earth. Writing how great he was does not touch how wonderful he truly was, and if you know him, you know that.
If you knew him as J. Russell Ford, Russ, or Rusty you knew he was one of a kind. Words do not do him justice, it is hard to sum up the life of the greatest man we will ever know.
Russ was born July 30, 1952 to James L Ford and Betty (Norris) Ford. He is survived by his loving wife Polly (Sipp) Ford of 47 years, married 43, son Thomas, daughter Alexandra, grandsons Fallon and Greyson, Father James L Ford and wife Pat, brother Paul and wife Sandy, and brother Jeff and wife Monica Ford.
Russ graduated from high school May 1970 in the top 5%, while attending he was an avid wrestler, taking 3rd in state, also a member of national forensic league. He then went on to Columbia College on a full scholarship, where he was class body president, and Phi Beta Kappa. He met the love of his life Polly (Sipp) Ford while attending. Russ graduated 1972, he went on to law school at UMKC and graduated from UMKC Law in 1977.
Russ was undeniably a great contributor to all of those around him and his community. He served with the Lions Club, which he donated his corneas to provide someone else with sight, loved working the chili dinners, and pancake breakfasts. He was an Eagle Scout of Troop 161 in Independence, MO. He was an adult leader of Troop 138, where he wanted to help kids know their potential and create a great sense of accomplishment for them to go on to do great things.
There are several monumental moments of his life, too many to write, we all have a great story of him. His smile, his compassion, sense of humor, and love of life were contagious. He was a great husband, proud father, even prouder Papa to his grandkids. He had a great love of food, blues, and laughter.
He was known and loved by many. A bright, fun loving person that enjoyed every moment he had on this earth. Writing how great he was does not touch how wonderful he truly was, and if you know him, you know that.
If you knew him as J. Russell Ford, Russ, or Rusty you knew he was one of a kind. Words do not do him justice, it is hard to sum up the life of the greatest man we will ever know.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Russell "Russ" Ford, please visit our flower store.
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