James Edward Ford, 80, a retired businessman and community leader, died Feb 27, 1994 at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Mr. Ford was born Jan 4, 1914 in Detroit. He was a star athlete and scholar at Northern High School. Unable to attend college during the depression, he rose to become a key executive at Marathon Oil Company and, later, a successful real estate investor. He had owned and operated a campground in Grayling and was a member of Greenfield Village Choir.
His own inability to attend college led Mr. Ford to take a lifelong interest in promising students needing financial aid. He helped scores through private efforts and was active in the Evans Caddie Scholarship Foundation. An avid golfer, Mr. Ford was a life member and past president of Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville. In retirement, he worked as the weekend starter at Schuss Mountain Golf Club near Mancelona.
He is survived by his wife, Marian Muhlitner Ford; one son, David Muhlitner (Peggy) of San Jose, CA; one daughter, Nancy Bracy (Terrance) of McLean, VA; one brother Charles Ford of Punta Gorda, FL, and three grandchildren, Eric Muhlitner, Michael Bracy, and Timothy Bracy.
He was preceded in death in 1976 by his wife Ethlyn Ford.
Funeral services will be held Thu, Mar 3, at noon at AJ Desmond and Sons Funeral Home in Troy with burial at Roseland Park in Berkley.
