Jack D. Ford, 76, Archie, Missouri died Saturday, February 7, 2015 at his home in Archie. Cremation with inurnment in Crescent Hill cemetery at a later date. There will be a memorial jam session/pot luck at the Adrian Optimist Building on Sunday, March 8, 2015, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Jack was born January 14, 1939 in Adrian, Missouri, the son of Ernest Lee and Naomi Pearl (Gibson) Ford. He was one of twelve children. Jack's father was a section foreman for Missouri Pacific Railroad, and the family moved to Archie in 1950. Jack was still living on the site of the railroad section house where he was raised.

Jack attended Archie High School, and was united in marriage to June Arlene Gridley of Adrian, Missouri, on November 30, 1963 in Mound City, Kansas. Jack was a heavy equipment operator for Limpus Quarry in Main City and Harrisonville, Missouri, until his retirement. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local #101.

Jack was a lifelong musician, playing bass guitar with his family and brothers. He played with the Tennessee Travelers and the Country Playboys, and helped start the Rich Hill Opry. He was a founding member of the Genuine Country Music Association.

Jack is survived by his wife, June A. Ford, of the home; a son, Rodney, L. Ford, Archie; a grandson, Ryan David Ford, Archie; a brother, Melvin P. "Bud" Ford, and a sister, Betty Jo Martin, both of Archie.