James C. "Jim" Ford, Sr.

James C. Ford, Sr. (Jim), age 87, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on August 22nd after a brief illness. Born in Dante, VA, Jim spent his early years in Norton, VA, where he attended J.I. Burton High School. He was a 1958 graduate of Virginia Tech, majoring in Building and Construction Engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He received a commission as a Second Lieutenant and was in the Army Active Reserves until 1972. Jim spent his career working as a senior construction manager with several major construction firms. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport, and also a Mason with the Suthers Lodge in Norton, VA. Jim was an avid reader and especially loved books on history. He also thoroughly enjoyed travelling and had a great sense of adventure. He will be remembered fondly for his big personality and love of people.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward L. Ford and Lola Gibson Tate; his wife, Martha Bolling Wren; and his friend and companion, Virginia Ann Sturgill. 

He is survived by son, James C. Ford, Jr., of FL; daughter, Gwyn Kuprianov and husband, Tony of Arlington, VA; grandson, Samuel James Kuprianov of Cleveland, OH; and cousin, Loretta Tate Trayer, of Bristol, VA.

The family would like to thank Crown Cypress Assisted Living in Kingsport for the love, laughter and care they gave to Jim for the past five and a half years.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport with Rev. Johnny Tuttle officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity.