Jack D. Ford, 90

Jack D. Ford, 90, passed away Wednesday evening, June 27, 2007. Jack was born in Elma, Wash., Feb. 28, 1917, to Eathel and Robert Ford. Since his father worked in a logging camp and there were no schools in the area, Jack attended Hill Military Academy from fourth grade through high school.

After graduation he worked for a year in his father's service station before attending the University of Washington and graduating in 1942 with a degree in history.

It was during his college days that Jack met his wife-to-be, Nancy Elliot. They married June 4, 1942, and moved to Pittsburgh, Calif., where Jack was stationed in the Army during World War II. He was responsible for moving soldiers into the various positions where they were needed. At the end of their stay in California, Jack and Nancy's first daughter arrived.

After the war, they moved to Seattle where they both worked for the Boeing Corporation. Jack moved to Billings in 1947 where he had a career working at Elliot's Furniture for 43 years (25 years as manager).

A second daughter was added to the family in 1951. Summers were spent at the family lake home at Flathead Lake near Kalispell. That area was one of Jack's favorite places.

Jack was an avid stamp collector since childhood and would spend many happy hours working on his collections. He was active in the Billings Stamp Club and a lifetime member of the U.S. Philatelic Society.

Jack was a member of the First Congregational Church, the Billings Petroleum Club, and a former member of the Downtown Businessmen's Association.

Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy E. Ford; daughter, Jeanne Dove, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughter, Deborah Powell, and David, of Billings; one grandson, Jim Powell, and Gloria, of Lexington Park, Md.; and two great-grandchildren, Daniel Powell and Stephanie Powell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 2, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at the Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church, N. 27th St. Billings, MT 59101.

Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements.