James "Jimmy" J. Ford Obituary (1955 - 2025)

Born May 24, 1955, James "Jimmy" J. Ford attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James "jimmy" J. Ford.

Graduation Year	Class of 1968
Date of Birth	May 24, 1955
Date of Passing	Dec 24, 2025
About	Official Obituary of James J. Ford May 24, 1950 ~ December 24, 2025 (age 75) Obituary & Services Tribute Wall James Ford Obituary James J. (“Jimmy”) Ford, 75, of Ruffs Dale, PA, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 24, 1950, in Wilkinsburg, PA, and was the beloved son of the late John and Mary (Nataro) Ford. Jimmy was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1968, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Duquesne University. He was a longtime attendee of Pennsville Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, PA. Jimmy worked as an equipment operator at Duquesne Slag for over 15 years before later transitioning to work in artificial turf installation. Jimmy deeply cherished time spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed annual family beach vacations, traveling to visit his grandchildren, and making lasting memories together. He had a love for classic cars—his favorite being a 1957 Chevy—and took great pride in his mint-condition 1985 Lincoln Town Car. Jimmy could fix just about anything and was always willing to help others. His quick wit, humor, and playful sarcasm brought joy to everyone who knew him. He also loved dancing with his wife, Barbara, with the jitterbug being one of their favorites. An avid hunter and fisherman, Jimmy treasured many hunting trips with his son, Patrick. The family hunting camp, “The Ponderosa” in Smicksburg, PA, was truly his happy place. Jimmy also found great joy in gardening and was well known for his homegrown watermelons—earning him the affectionate nickname “the watermelon man”—as well as his grapes and fruit trees. He loved spending time in his grape arbor, tending his fruit trees, making wine, and canning. Jimmy enjoyed collecting grandfather clocks and pocket watches, watching Gunsmoke and other classic westerns, as well as listening to 1950s music, especially Frank Sinatra. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Ford, and his brother, George Ford. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann (Leskosek) Ford of Ruffs Dale, PA. A devoted and caring father, he is survived by his three children: Kelly Ford of Broomfield, CO, Dr. Patrick (Heather) Ford of Lexington, KY, and Natalie Ford of Denver, CO. Jimmy was the cherished “Pap” to his six grandchildren: Leo, Reagan, James Patrick, Vivien, Matthew Tucker, and Ford. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Ford of Pittsburgh, PA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 4 pm - 7 pm on Thursday, January 1, 2025 at the Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA 15663 – Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2025 at the at the funeral home with Pastor Murray officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy's memory to Tunnel to Towers at www.t2t.org or March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org.