[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JAMES OLIVER FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of 
James Oliver Ford, known affectionately as J.O., Jimmy, Jim, or Ford, 
who peacefully passed away at the age of 79 on Thursday, February 1, in 
Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the eldest child of the late Oliver Ford, 
Jr. and Annie Mae Ford of Pontotoc, Mississippi.
  James embraced Christianity at a young age and remained a dedicated 
member of McDonald United Methodist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He 
served his church fervently as an usher, choir member, assistant Sunday 
School teacher, and President of the McDonald United Methodist Church 
Board of Trustees.
  Graduating from Pontotoc Attendance Center in 1963, James pursued 
higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and 
Political Science from Jackson State University in 1967. He actively 
participated in Civil Rights movements, notably joining the historic 
James Meredith March of 1966 from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, 
Mississippi. Subsequently, he pursued a Juris Doctorate from the 
University of Mississippi in 1970.
  Following his studies, James commenced his legal career, initially 
with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services in Oxford, Mississippi, 
before establishing his practice in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1973. He 
played a significant role in advocating for integration in school 
districts across North Mississippi, addressing violations of Brown v. 
Board of Education. Throughout his life, James remained committed to 
seeking justice for his clients, participating in free legal clinics 
and serving as the City Prosecutor for Baldwyn, Mississippi.
  Beyond his legal endeavors, he was elected President of the Concerned 
Citizens Coalition of Pontotoc. He also actively engaged in sports, 
particularly running and cycling, fostering camaraderie within the 
Pontotoc Runners and Bikers group.
  James was a member of various organizations, including the Lee County 
NAACP, Black Business Association of Tupelo, and the Mississippi Bar 
Association. He also maintained a lifelong membership in Alpha Phi 
Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  In recognition of his lifelong dedication to justice and peace, James 
was honored with the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award 
by the Pontotoc MLK Dream Committee.
  James is survived by his beloved wife, Rachel H. Ford; two sons, 
Steven Ford of Denver, CO and J. Corey Ford of Atlanta, GA; two 
daughters, Kristi Listenbee of Tupelo, MS and Ashley Listenbee of 
Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Antonio Lipsey, Kyle Ford, Matthew 
Rowe, and Laken Ruff; one great-granddaughter, Graycn; one brother, 
Barry Ford of Madison, MS; one sister, Phyllis (Rev. David) High of 
Pontotoc, MS; one brother-in-law, Hosie Holoman of Tupelo, MS; one 
sister-in-law, Joann (Barry) Ledbetter of Tupelo, MS; and numerous 
nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will cherish his 
memory dearly.

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