James E. Ford, 79, of New Boston, IL, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, at Unity Point Health - St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.

James Edward Ford was born Friday, October 11, 1946, in Muscatine, IA, the son of John E. and Marjorie Holland Ford.

He was a United States Navy veteran. James served from June 1965 until June 2, 1971.

James had worked for many years as a mechanic at H.J. Heinz Company in Muscatine prior to retirement.

He loved his dogs, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Jennifer Goethals of Wilton, IA, Robert Ford of Muscatine, IA, Randy Ford of Davenport, IA, and Corey (Samantha) Ford of New Boston, IL; grandchildren, Bradley Bosecker, Brittany Mertka, Brianna Bosecker, Jared Goethals, Christina Robertson, Miranda Jones, Sean Ford, Rhylee Ford, Ryan Ford, Blazyn Ford, and Abcde Ford; many great grandchildren; two brothers, Johnny (Caroline) Ford of Wilton, IA and Dennis Smith of Fayetteville, AR; and one sister, Jody (Tom) Ford-Limmer of New Boston, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joe and Jeff; and one sister, Diane.

Private family services will be held with burial at Overman Cemetery in Atalissa, IA at a later date. Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for James' family and arrangements.

Please share your love, memories and support with James' family on his Memorial Tribute page at www.NicholsBewley.com.