James Ford Obituary

I was a shampoo girl at Gentlemen's Choice in the Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, Illinois in 1978-79. Jim had a very loyal clientele including many of the Chicago Bears. Approaching retirement age myself, I have been looking up memorable people in my life. I was stunned to discover that Jim passed away 20 years ago. I remember his love for MC Escher prints which he had several. He was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around. Always smiling and upbeat. I do not remember him ever having a bad day. I knew him when he was married and divorced from Bobbi. Have not seen him since but his infectious optimism and humor has remained in my memory. Thank you all for the memories at Gentlemen's Choice...Jim, Dick, Mary Kay, Judy, Kirby and 3 more that I do not recall the names of. 40+ years later after working with Jim, I still have fond memories. He had Gary Fencik (Chicago Bears) give me an autograph on a GC appointment card. I see Gary now on late night commercials which made me think of Jim and start this search for him. So sad to see that his life was cut short. Hope to see you in the next one!
Judy S.
Grayslake, IL
Cincinnati, OH

It's hard to believe that Jim passed eighteen years ago. Yet he still lives in the many fond memories of his family and friends.

I knew Jim for about 8 years as my stylist, but also as a friend. We would talk about many things. Such as motorcycles and the Chicago bears, but the one thing I will never forget is how he would always get me out of trouble with my father. Thank you for all you have done. I will never forget you.

We have known Jim for 30 years and feel fortunate to have met him as our stylist back in his days at Gentlemen's Choice. I enjoyed our conversations about the Chicago Bears and other great Chicago sport's teams. Jim had a great influence on me in dealing with personal matters. He also taught me to see things the way he did, to live life and enjoy my family and friends just like he did. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family. We will miss him but never forget him (JIMBO).

Jim was one of the most positive people I knew, I don't think I never saw him not smiling. Working with him was so fun, when someone walked in he would never notice, cause he was caught up in his story telling (which we got to hear all day.) He was always there to lend a helping hand and listening ear. I will miss him so much, I hope he knew what an impact he had on my life. The salon won't be the same without him.

My thoughts and prays are with Millie, Jimmy and Danielle. You guys were very lucky to have a dad and husband so wonderful.

I have known Jim for 28 years and have been fortunate to have met him as my stylist since I was in high school. I soon came to realize that he was a talented stylist and more importantly how genuine and sincere a person he was. I too enjoyed our conversations we had about the Chicago Bears and how I enjoyed his chili fests. Jim had influenced me to see things the way he did, to live life and enjoy the camaraderie of friends. My sincerest condolences go out his family. He will be sorely missed but I will never forget him. I have been blessed to have had him as my friend.

I've known Jim since 1978, first as my stylist, but then as a close friend. He was always a fun person to be around. He will be truly missed by my entire family.

We've known Jim for over 25 years, first as a stylist, but then as a true friend. He will be greatly missed by many. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Jim Ford. We all have been left with a great loss: a great father, good husband, wonderful son, a best friend, and above all a warm genuine person. Having known Jim for over twenty-five years, he would certainly not want us to be sad. He will be missed but not forgotten. I know I will always smile when think of him and will value him as one of my best friends.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Jim and his family. I know Jim because his brother John taught me piano and became a great friend to me and my family. The whole Ford family is wonderful and a ton of fun to be with. I'm sure everyone will miss Jim's great sense of humor and life he brought to the party.

I've been going to Jim to get my hair cut for 20 to 25 years. He was a good friend too, when he lived in Vernon Hills I almost always went to his famous ChiliFest/BearsVsPackers parties. The man was a generous and truly friendly man, Jim will be sorely missed.

My sympathies to the entire family of Jim. I have been a friend and customer for many years and feel very saddened for his loss to you and his many friends.