James Daniel “Jim” Ford February 9, 1978 - June 14, 2021

February 9, 1978 – June 14, 2021

Jim was born in Turlock, CA in 1978.  He was raised in Hilmar and graduated from Hilmar High School.  He was a country boy through and through.  From the age of three it was boots, hat and Silver his first pony that he trained and took naps with.  He loved the country life so much that he worked cattle with his pony Silver and his Dad, Frank Ford.  At the age of fourteen he received his first horse, Squaw.  He trained her himself and ran cows with his Dad in Don Pedro, CA.  These were some of the happiest times of his life.

Jim was also a team roper.  He won several saddles and buckles in his competitive sport.  He was a man of many talents.  Besides being an avid horseman, he could make ropes, do leatherwork, design and build anything, train horses, and most recently make rawhide riata ropes from cowhide that he cleaned and dried himself.  He had a love for cowboy poetry and vintage country music. 

In January of 1999 Jim gave his heart to the Lord.  He was baptized in February of 1999 at Calvary First Assembly of God Church in Hilmar, CA.  He shared his faith with those he met especially while roping.  Always willing to help at the church when they needed his talents.  Even winning the tri-tip cook off at the Labor Day Church picnic!

Jim was married to Amy in January 2003.  It was love at first sight. They were married six months after their first date and were married for eighteen years.  Opposites really do attract.  He was a loving husband and father.  Always thoughtful and considerate. And he was always willing to help those in need whether it be family, friends or the stranger on the side of the road. 

To provide for his family he worked with his hands in the food industry as a metal fabricator and ranch butcher.  He recently had just built a kill trailer for butchering to pull behind his Ram pick-up.  He was an avid shooter and hunter.  He loved a challenge and always did the best at everything he put his mind to.   He will be forever missed and, in our hearts, forever.

Jim is survived by his wife Amy Ford, his children Cheyanne Lisle (Jeffrey), Wyatt Copus and Lilianna Ford, his nieces, and nephews Alira Lowe, Abigail Humphrey, Zoe Humphrey, William Humphrey, Ryan Ford and Jade Ford. He is also survived by his father Frank Ford (Debbie) his mother Diane Ford, brothers Frank Ford (Indi) and Wade Ford (Rhonda) and one grandchild on the way. Jim’s family also includes his uncle Gary Ford (Robin), aunt Karen Valenzuela (Frank), uncle Larry Mendes (aunt Pam) deceased, aunt Janet Azevedo deceased, uncle Mike VanFleet (Lona), uncle Kevan VanFleet (Terry), uncle Fred VanFleet deceased (Susi), and numerous cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, June 28, at Allen Mortuary.  A funeral service will be held at 10am on Tuesday, June 29, also at Allen Mortuary.  Burial will follow at North Hilmar Cemetery. Reception will be held at the Turlock Horseman’s Club 1506 S. Tegner Rd. Turlock, Ca 95380.

A fund has been established in Jim’s memory at the BBVA Bank, 1955 Geer Rd, Turlock Ca. 95380 (209) 632-3108.