James Ford

James Anthony "Jimmy" Ford, 67, of Boonsboro, Maryland, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving wife, Robyn, family and friends.

Born on February 12, 1952, in Hagerstown, he was the son of the late Lloyd Ashton and Mary Alice (Higdon) Ford. He was the husband of Robyn Elizabeth (Smith) Ford, whom he married October 10, 1998.

James was the 4th generation to be brought up on the Ford Farm and learned at an early age what hard work was about. He helped his father with milking and other chores. His first job off the farm was working as a driver for Gem Star Cement Company in Frederick. He then took over the family  milking business before deciding to go into beef cattle. After the switch to beef cattle he then started working as a carpenter, where he built and repaired countless homes and barns. He always said barn roofs were his favorite. In 1981, he was awarded the Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year. The Ford Farm was the first in Washington County to be categorized into agriculture land preservation.

He was a 1970 graduate of Boonsboro High School, where he played football in his sophomore year, basketball all four years and member of FFA his senior year. After graduation, he helped coach and transport underprivileged boys to their basketball games.

Brought up in the Lutheran faith knowing the Lord, James was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Boonsboro. James loved going on short trips with family and friends and he loved being at home around his animals.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his fur babies, one uncle, two brothers and one sister.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro.

A Celebration of James's Life Journey will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 22nd at the funeral home in Boonsboro with Rev. Regina Beard officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in his name, to the Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Company, PO Box 7, Boonsboro, MD 21713 or Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD, 21740.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at BastStaufferFuneralHome.com.