Retired School Teacher from Centerville, IA, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2017, in Wichita, KS. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Patrick Ford (Jodi); daughter, Joni McFarland (Shawn); granddaughter, Nikki McFarland; step-daughter, Kim Kloster (Edwin); grandson, Jared Ford; granddaughter, Madison Ford; great-grandson, Aidan Murphy; brothers, David Ford (Marilyn), Greg Ford (Pam); sister, Elaine Werts; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia Mae Langhammer of 39 years; parents, Cecil and Coe Ford. Jay graduated from Atlanta, MO High School, received his B.S. in Education from Northeast Missouri State (Truman University), Kirksville, MO. He also received his Master’s Degree in Education from Northeast Missouri State, Kirksville, MO. He taught History, Art, Physical Education, and coached in North Missouri and Southern Iowa. The last eighteen years he taught in Centerville, IA. Due to his Rheumatoid Arthritis he retired in 1982. Jay enjoyed basketball - both playing and coaching. He loved all sports, including fishing, and was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan. Many stories have come from the Cardinal history and he could remember scores of many of the games. A highlight for Jay was a golf hole-in-one in April 2006. He also enjoyed reading and always had at least 1 book going. When his daughter bought the first Kindle reader he soon followed. Jay had a warm heart and was always for the underdog, the homeless, and those less fortunate. He was especially encouraging to his kids and grandchildren and always said "Do your best" and was very proud of them. In 2000 he renewed a high school friendship with Nancy Christy Bertram Ford and in 2002 they married in Eureka Springs, AR. They enjoyed the WSU basketball games, traveling by bus, returning to Iowa to visit friends and family. Jay also maintained a cabin near Moberly, MO to be near his brothers and his favorite fishing spot. Memorial has been established with His Helping Hands c/o Central Christian Church, 2900 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67226.
Graveside Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at St. Mary's Cemetery in Macon, MO, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com