Rev. James Thomas "Jim" Ford

Rev. James Thomas "Jim" Ford, 97, of Norphlet, passed from this life into eternity Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Timberlane Health and Rehab in El Dorado, Ark. He was born August 8, 1919, in Furlow Community, just outside Lonoke, Ark., to John Newton Ford and Sarah Frances Shirley Ford. He was a preacher in the United Methodist Church for thirty-three years serving the Holly Springs UMC charge, Strong UMC charge, Taylor UMC charge, Norphlet UMC charge and the Camden Timothy UMC charge. After retirement, he and his wife Lola made their home in Norphlet where they were both members of the Norphlet UMC and he served as interim pastor to the Pleasant Grove UMC charge for a year. He served as a volunteer at South Arkansas Medical Center for 26 years. He served in the United States Army. He often said how thankful he was for his family and all the blessings the family has enjoyed. Preceding him in death were his wife of 67 years Lola Caldwell Ford; his parents; brothers, John Ford, Joe Ford and Bill Fulbright; and sisters, Elizabeth Kimzey, Ludie Baldwin, Louella Hortsman and Katherine Thresher. Survivors include his three daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Ricky Evans of Calion, Linda and Cecil Polk of Norphlet, Diane and Denny Barrett of Searcy; six grandchildren, Schelley Covas (Jose'), Bud Evans (Terri), Brandon Polk (Kerri) all of Norphlet, Chris Polk (Melissa) of Wooster, Raegan Jordan (Brent) of San Antonio, TexasX, Rane Barrett of Hensley; twelve great grandchildren, Caylie Covas (fiancé Nick Lambert), Evans Covas, Tripp Evans, Tucker Evans, Creighton Polk, Hayes Polk, Mathis Polk, J.T. Polk, Mitchell Polk, Ryan Polk, Barrett Jordan, Ryleigh Jordan; brother, V.L. Ford of Jacksonville, Ark.; several nieces and nephews; many friends; and the loving staff at Timberlane Health and Rehab. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Young's. Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Norphlet United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Newberry officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to Norphlet United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 28, Norphlet, Ark. 71759; Arkansas Rice Depot, P.O. Box 34427, Little Rock, Ark. 72203-9991; or LifeTouch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.