James T. "Jim" Ford

Jim Ford, well known environmental activist, passed away at the age of 64, on August 25, 2009, while vacationing in North Carolina. Jim was born on July 13, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in Winston-Salem, NC, where he graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. In 1965 he received a degree in Business from the University of Florida where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

After a successful career in business, Jim retired early and traveled widely throughout the world to 115 countries on six continents, which gave him an extensive knowledge and appreciation of world culture, and gained him many friends worldwide.

Jim resided in Sarasota, FL for 25 years, with a move to Gainesville from 1994-1997, and in 2006 moved to Cedar Key, FL, where he had longtime friends he had visited frequently over the years. Jim loved living in Cedar Key and considered it a place that carefully preserves its history, culture, and economic well-being.

Jim`s Native American heritage influenced his proactive concern for the environment. Jim was well known throughout Florida for his stance on ensuring a balance of land preservation and development through careful growth planning. A quote illustrates Jim`s life: "The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Margaret Chase Smith.

Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends, especially his many friends in Cedar Key, as a down to earth person who was full of insight, intelligence, humor, and vitality. He was a genuine "character" with a ready smile and good conversation.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, William T. Ford; mother, Evelyn Wright Ford Overton, and step-father, John Overton. Survivors include step-son, Taggert (Cris) Siegel, Trenton FL; step-daughter, Harper (Matt) Hunter, High Springs, FL; step-grandchildren Cheyenne, Kalin, Lauren and Noah; sister, Lucy (Robert) Armfield, Winston-Salem, NC; nephews, Scott (Angie) Byrd, Charleston, SC; Brett (Michelle) Byrd, Winston-Salem, NC; great-nieces and -nephews.

Those wishing to honor Jim Ford can make a donation in his name to the environmental preservation organization that focuses on the entire North Central Florida region: Florida`s Eden P.O. Box 1149, Gainesville, FL 32602.