Dr. James Edward Ford

On August 8, 2025, the world grew a little quieter as Dr. James E. Ford took his final bow at the age of 91. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to William W. Ford, Jr. and Verna Fugler, he filled his days with purpose, his years with adventure, and his heart with love.

He was a man who felt most alive in the sunshine – casting a fishing line into the still waters of the Gulf, striking a golf ball on the greens, or having a great tennis match. While he caught many fish, he also experienced many misadventures on his fishing trips, which were the grist of hilarious stories passed down over the years to family. While he enjoyed a competitive game of golf or tennis, in his later years, he loved watching golf, tennis, basketball and football with family on his big screen TV. Even when his legs grew unsteady, he found his freedom in the water, swimming three times a week with the same determination that carried him through life.

Dr. Ford was also a devoted Christian and read the bible daily, finding inspiration through the word of God. He loved going to church on Sundays. It was through his devotion to the bible and church that he found strength, peace and guidance. His faith brought him comfort during difficult times and joy in the every day moments.

For ten proud years, Dr. Ford served in the United States Air Force, including a memorable chapter stationed in Turkey, where he met his former wife, Monica. But his calling lay in healing smiles and gums. After earning his dental degree from Loyola University in New Orleans and his specialty in periodontics at Tufts University in Boston, he returned to Baton Rouge. There, for over four decades, he built not just a practice, but a place where patients became friends, and friends became family. His daughter, Shannon, was his hygienist for many years.

He was a lover of music and the timeless voices of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. When he sang, you could hear the joy, the romance and his deep love for belting tunes. If a man ever lived “My Way”, it was him.

He followed his own compass, embraced the fullness of life – the loves, the laughter, even the losses – and met each day with the quiet certainty that he had truly made it his own. He was very independent, up to the last 6 months of his life.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruby Fyfield Ford. He leaves behind his former wife, Monica and a family that carries his legacy and stories in their hearts:

Daughter: Shannon (Joey Barletta) and her children and grandchildren: Kat and daughter, Baylee; Jennifer and daughter, Sierra; Lauren and son, Skyler; Tyler (Becky) and children, Kaden, Birdy and Effie; and James and children, Henry and Amy.

Son: Jim (Alicia) and sons, James (Mahnoor) and Conor.

Son: Jeff (Lauren) and children and grandchildren: Josh (Alexis) and children, Tallak and Lowyn; Shannon (James Farris) and son Campbell.

Son: Brian (Brad Jobe)

Daughter: April (Todd Shelhorse) and her children, Cynthia and Wyatt.

In all, his life touched the hearts of five children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren – each a living chapter in his story.

His farewell will be private, as he would have wanted. But those who knew him can honor his memory in the simplest way: live fully, authentically, and when the music strikes your fancy, don’t be afraid to sing your favorite tune – loud, proud, and your way.

Forever in our hearts.