James Sheldon Ford, 77

PEABODY, MA – James Sheldon Ford, 77, most recently of Wilmington, DE, passed away in his home peacefully with family after a 12 year battle with Alzimers Disease on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Born in Peabody, MA, on January 20, 1939, to Ruth Iva Chaput and Leonard Gale Ford he lived his childhood years in Peabody graduating Peabody High School in 1956. He immediately enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the Aircraft Carrier, U.S.S. Bennington.

James worked as an instructor for IBM for over 30 years. Despite being an introvert he enjoyed teaching others how to work on computers. He fell in love with San Diego, CA, where he taught the sailors how to fix the computers on the submarines. Jim, as many referred to him, was an amazing musician. His ear for the piano was unparalleled. He could hear a song one time and play it perfectly with no music. He was very humble about his ability. He also played the clarinet and enjoyed the banjo. However, it was the piano that he continued to play with the ability of a professional until the final six months of his illness. He often said his fingers have a memory of their own. Jim also enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing golf, sailing, and traveling the United States. He lived in different parts of CA, spent over 10 years on Amelia Island, FL, and resided in VA and MA.

James is survived by his beautiful loving wife Frankie Marvine Cook of almost 28 years, and his sister Lynda Ford of AZ, his daughters Valerie Ford Hadeed, of VA, Pamela Ford O’Steen, of NC, their spouses Joseph Hadeed and Michael O’Steen. He had 4 grandchildren, Michael James, Olivia Ruth, Gabriel Michael, and Samira Louise. James was very lovingly cared for by step-daughter Connie Pratzner, her husband Paul Pratzner, of Wilmington, and their children, Fox, Molly, Piper and Finigan, Amanda, and Adam.

Burial side service will be early summer at Locust Grove Cemetery in Ipswich, MA.

Family requests donations to the Alzimers Association to help us find treatment and a cure for this horrible disease at all.org.