[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF JACK FORD, MAYOR EMERITUS AND PRESIDENT OF CITY 
 COUNCIL, FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND MINORITY LEADER OF THE OHIO 
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jack Ford, 
who passed from our community on Saturday, March 21st.
  Jack Ford was one of a kind. He gave his life, decade after decade, 
to our entire community. We hold an abiding gratitude for his lifetime 
of dedicated and honorable service to us. I particularly appreciated 
his genius and wry sense of humor. He never missed a beat. Our entire 
region has benefited from his generous and focused life on behalf of 
others.
  Born in Springfield, Ohio to Edna and Stanton Ford, Jack Ford 
graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in social work. 
Already on a path to public service, he began his career with the Ohio 
Youth Commission. He came to Toledo in 1974 to earn his law degree from 
the University of Toledo. He then became director of the Lucas County 
Mental Health Board and consolidated county agencies into Substance 
Abuse Services Inc--known as SASI--which he directed.
  Jack began his service in elected life in 1987, when he successfully 
ran for Toledo City Council, eventually serving as Council President in 
1993. Beginning in 1994, Jack served in the State legislature until he 
reached his term limit. Always, he understood the interconnections of 
our City to the world beyond it. His knowledge was hard-earned and 
unique.
  Jack Ford also made history. As an educator, health professional, and 
political activist, Mayor Ford became the very first African American 
Mayor elected in Toledo, in 2001. With his election as Mayor, he 
elevated our community to a more inclusive and progressive place. He 
made us proud. He was all business, and always demonstrated a hands-on, 
can-do attitude. He was a master of the City budget and directed his 
Administration to make long neglected improvements.
  Following his tenure as Mayor, Jack was elected to the Board of 
Toledo Public Schools and, most recently, returned to Toledo City 
Council to continue his service to our community. All the while, Jack 
imparted his knowledge to young people, encouraging and teaching at the 
university level. Even when not feeling well, he carried forward his 
duties in a soldierly and persevering manner, earning respect from all 
who knew him.
  Jack always had a twinkle in his eye and a knack for presenting the 
unvarnished truth to all whose paths he crossed. He had a very kind 
heart and generously shared his beloved family and adopted family like 
Reverend John McKissick and his lovely wife Mrs. Pearl ``Mother'' 
McKissick. What beautiful memories I hold of these self-giving, 
intelligent, productive citizens. Jack brought everyone together for a 
greater good to which he pledged his worthy efforts. He reserved a 
special place in his life for students and youth he mentored. He took 
particular pleasure in the classroom. Teaching at the University of 
Toledo and Bowling Green State University allowed him to inspire many 
leaders for the next generation.
  It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest sympathy to the 
Ford family: his wife Cynthia, his children, and his friends and 
associates. May the angels carry Jack Ford to a place of peace and 
rest. He has been truly a good, faithful, and honorable servant.

                          ____________________