James M. Ford, Jr., better known as Red, was born on May 24, 1922 and passed away on January 3, 2022 at the age of 99 in Lafayette, California.

Born and raised in Foxworth, Mississippi, the son of James Ford and Lula Mae Pittman, he attended Columbia High School, where he played baseball and football. At the onset of World War II, Red enlisted in the Navy and served for 21 years participating in the pacific on ships at sea . . . two of which, he said were 'sunk beneath him.' Rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he retired in Spring Valley, California.

Shortly after joining the navy he married Clara Agnes Sylvest. Red and Agnes had three children, James E. Ford, Candace Lou Ellen Ford, and Stephen Perry Ford. Red and Agnes have eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Monica, and Derek Ford, children of James; Ryan Rorry and Robbin Schramm, children of Candace Ford; and Matthew and Stephen Ford, children of Stephen. Red had two great grandchildren at the time of his passing.

Red and Agnes returned to his homestead in Foxworth, working as a TV repairman and coaching little league. Agnes volunteered, visiting local nursing homes. Finally, Red and Agnes returned to California to be close to Jim and Candy who had families of their own. Agnes passed away on January 10, 2003, in Escondido, California. Red lived alone for 19 years, never getting over the death of his beloved wife, Agnes.

Red will be cremated with his ashes buried in the Foxworth Cemetery on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 10:30 am.  Friends and family are welcome to attend.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Friends and family may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com.