James “Dan” Ford
April 8, 1937 – August 21, 2025

James “Dan” Ford was born on April 8, 1937, in Caddo County, Oklahoma, to Arnold and Ida Ford. He was the eldest of three brothers, followed by Frank and Jim.

Dan moved to Carmel Valley in the third grade and later settled in Porterville, where he spent his school years from sixth grade through high school. In 1960, he moved to Trona, California, where he began his pipe fitting apprenticeship. In 1966, he relocated to Humboldt County to work at the local pulp mill, where he dedicated 35 years of hard work before retiring.

Dan married his first wife, Mary, in 1958. Together they raised three children: Doug Ford married to Emma, Arnie Ford, and Letty Frakes.

On June 15, 1974, Dan married Charlotte, his loving wife of over 51 years, and her children Mike Fridley married to Monika, and Tawnie Hansen married to Rob. When they joined their lives, Dan bravely helped raise them as his own. Together, they built a strong and loving blended family and shared a life full of laughter, adventure, and resilience.

Later in life, Dan was the proud “Papa” to his eleven grandchildren (and many great grandchildren) Jeremy Ford, Andrea Scharffer, Arnie Ford, Jeff Ford, Nathan Frakes, Marianne Frakes, Sarah Grow-Frakes, Alex Fridley, Logan Osser, Miranda Walstrom, and Logan Hansen. Despite being a tough, strong man, his grandchildren always found a way to his soft side; he adored them dearly.

Dan had a passion for the outdoors — he loved fishing, hunting, and anything that danced on the edge of the rules. Many of his favorite memories were centered around his summer vacations to fish at Aikens Creek or hunting trips to Montana, Idaho, and Kettenpom. He loved his weekly trips to the Moose Lodge to visit with his friends. He was a man of many talents. He always had a creative and original solution to any problem and could accomplish more than most with a can of WD-40, duct tape, and a beer. Every time he spoke, it was going to be exactly what he was thinking without mincing words. Because of that, he will always be remembered by many for his one-line phrases or “Papaisms.”

He passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of a strong and loving man who cannot be replaced. We all love you Papa!

In lieu of a service, at his wishes, there will be a private family ceremony to spread his ashes.

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