John Jacob Ford

John Jacob Ford of Burleson, Texas, passed away on Friday, June 5 in Burleson, TX. John was a kind and compassionate husband, father, and brother who cared deeply about his faith, family, and friends. He battled Parkinson’s Disease for the last 18 years of his life, and his family and friends are comforted knowing he is now home with a restored body.

John was born in St. Joseph, MO, in 1948 and lived there until 1985. He is the son of Jacob and Hannah Ford who resided on historic Lovers Lane in St. Joseph for most of their adult lives. John grew up alongside his two brothers and enjoyed sports, fast cars, and music.

After graduating from Central High School in 1966 where he was a member of the tennis team, he attended Tarkio College in Tarkio, MO and earned a business degree. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas where he acquired his master’s in business administration (MBA). Professionally, John had a wide-ranging career in business that began as an entrepreneur and banker but shifted to investing and financial planning toward the end of his career. John and his family were members of the Minnessouri Angling Club on Lake Miltona outside of Alexandria, MN, where he spent most of his summers water skiing, golfing, and playing tennis.

He married Kristin Coe of Tarkio, MO, in 1974 after she finished her degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. They lived on Lovers Lane in St. Joseph, MO, alongside his parents until 1985. After having three children in Missouri, John moved to Texas with his family for work and lived there until his death.

During his adult life, John grew tremendously in his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. He passed on his passion for the Lord to his kids who are active in local churches and involved in global missions to this day. His impact as a businessman is far surpassed by the spiritual legacy he has passed down to his friends and family through years of prayer, ministry, and service.

As a father, John was playful and enjoyed engaging his kids at their level. He passed on his love of sports and athletics to each kid and supported their academic pursuits as well. As relationships and children grew older, each child began to have a more mature friendship with John. He was a gracious grandfather and loved each of his nine grandchildren with joy, despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s.

John is survived by his wife Kristin Ford of Burleson, TX; daughters Kelly Vandegriff (Van) of Acworth, GA, and Kathryn Miller (Glen) of Waco, TX, and his son Jacob Ford (Jessica), of Waco, TX; grandchildren Aidan, Kegan, and Brynn Vandegriff; Seth, Max, and Hazel Miller; Hannah, Emmy, and Caleb Ford; brothers Bartlett Ford of Centennial, CO and Robert Ford of St. Joseph, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Hannah Ford of St. Joseph, MO.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12 at 10 a.m. at Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home at 518 S.W. Johnson Ave., Burleson, TX 76028. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider donations to the following ministries:

Antioch Ministries International

505 N. 20th St.

Waco, TX 76707

AMI Giving

https://antiochwaco.com/give

Troy Brewer Charitable Network

301 S. Dobson St,

Burleson TX 76028

Troy Brewer Giving

https://aidforgood.com/g/opendoorchurch/