James Milbourne Ford

James Milbourne Ford, 72, of Conway was called home by our Heavenly Father on September 5, 2017 following several years of suffering from MS and other chronic health issues. He was born February 8, 1945 in Ada, Oklahoma to Robert and Pauline Ford who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Wanda Ford of Conway; three daughters, Amy Carley, April Taylor and Alisha Ford; six grandchildren Greta, Ladd, and Hays Carley, Emma Clare and Neely Taylor and Avery Ford; his sister, Margaret Roberts of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and stepson, Mike King of Conway. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ford and sister, Lois Price. Jim had a fun-loving, outgoing personality and grew up hunting and fishing with his father in Oklahoma and Colorado. He was an avid sports fan and never missed watching an Oklahoma or Arkansas ball game. He loved to study the Bible and his greatest joy was to be with people. Visitors were always welcome in our home and he would sit and discuss the Bible for hours. For a few years he led a small group men's Bible study. He loved to sing and was a talented tenor. He participated in several quartets, especially while a student at Central Baptist College, and more recently in the Conway Men's Chorus. He sang in the church choir as long as his health allowed. Jim began preaching at age 16 and pastored churches for 32 years in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Mississippi. He graduated from Central Baptist College, Conway, in 1979 with a B.S. and East Central University, Ada, in 1984 with a B.A. in history. Jim also enjoyed serving as an EMT in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Memorial services will be conducted at Central Baptist Church in Conway on September 26 at 11 a.m. Reverend Don Chandler will officiate. Visitation will precede at 10 a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Jim's memory to Lifeword Ministries or the Central Baptist Church food bank. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.