James T. Ford, Ii

James T. Ford II, 84, of Stevens Point died unexpectedly January 21, 2022. Jim was born in Edgerton, WI on November 3, 1937. He was the son of the late James and Margaret (Burns) Ford and eldest brother of Joan (Ford) Fox and Thomas Ford (deceased).

Jim attended school in Edgerton, WI and later the Queen of Apostles Seminary. Following seminary school, Jim returned to Edgerton to work at his father's car dealership. He eventually moved to Chicago for employment in the financial industry where he met his future wife, Dorothy. They were married on November 19, 1960 and their six decades of married life have been enriched with many blessings.

Jim and Dorothy moved to Stevens Point in 1973 where Jim began his career with Sentry Insurance. He attended Harvard Business School in 1979, and ultimately went on to work at First Financial Savings. He retired in late 1999 and purchased a home in Bonita Springs, Florida where they enjoyed many wonderful friendships and memorable times. Jim and Dorothy moved back permanently to Stevens Point in 2007 to enjoy attending their grandchildren's wide array of extracurricular and sporting activities. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and his unwavering support and steadfast guidance have left an indelible imprint on each of their paths in life.

Jim became actively involved in many business ventures throughout his later years. His most recent projects included the successful start up and development of Service Cold Storage (now Lineage Logistics) and Copperstone Living Assistance in Fox Crossings, WI. Jim was involved with the management of the Holiday Inn businesses in Stevens Point and Marshfield until their recent sale. He rarely passed up an opportunity to lend his experience and expertise to assist in the growth of local businesses. He served tenures with the Stevens Point Chamber of Commerce (Portage County Business Council), Stevens Point Country Club and headed the local United Way drive. Jim held many additional leadership positions as he was passionate about his community and its people. Anyone who worked with Jim understood his passion to finish and achieve a goal; "Ya gotta have fire in your gut to make goal" was a favored quote.

Jim will be forever remembered by his kind and giving heart, warm smile, humbleness, and respectful handshake. When he asked, "How are you?", he genuinely meant it. He always extended a helping hand whether it was supporting local youth sports, schools, the Humane Society, or charitable organizations. His random acts of kindness were countless and brought happiness to many people. The Ford family asks respectfully that you honor his life by simply finding a way to engage with your community and make a difference by sharing your time and talents with others. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to the "Jim Ford Memorial." Donations will be distributed amongst Jim's favorite local charities to honor his legacy of generosity.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy, sister Joan of Edgerton, and two sons James (Kim) Ford III and John (Jen) Ford, both of Stevens Point. He is further survived by his grandchildren James Ford IV, Conner, Lexi and Kalyn Ford, and special canine buddies, REO and Spike. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom, and son Kevin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 1401 Clark Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at the Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 Second Street, Stevens Point, from 4 PM-8 PM and from 9:30 AM until the start of Mass at the church on Wednesday morning. A private burial service will be conducted at a later date.

The Pisarski Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral services and the Ford family is truly grateful for their compassionate guidance during this time.

Masks are optional and will be available at the funeral home and at church for the funeral mass. If you are not comfortable attending, or are in ill health, online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com The Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Ford family.