CJ Ford

CJ Ford, 89, of Kearney, Mo., passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 29, 2019 after a short battle with cancer.

CJ was born on February 24, 1932 to James Truman and Lillian (Steele) Ford in Kingsville, Mo. He attended Lincoln Country School and graduated from Kingsville High School in 1950. He joined the Navy in 1953 and served in the Korean War. He met his wife Dianne (Musser) in Holden, Mo., and they were married on April 7, 1956.

CJ was a well-known and respected car salesman who began his career selling used cars, real estate and Benelli motorcycles for Miller-Campbell Motors in Riverside, Mo. In 1974, they opened the Jack Miller dealership in Liberty, Mo., where they sold Chrysler-Plymouth vehicles and International trucks. The Jack Miller dealership moved to Kansas City, where they later franchised with Jeep. Business expanded and he moved with the Jeep line to North Kansas City, where he retired after 35 years.

He was an adventurer and loved to travel. He spent many years hiking and photographing wildlife and nature. He was a friend to all who knew him and was always lending a hand to anyone in need. He cherished family and spent many hours with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his two sons, Steven and Scott (Diane) Ford; grandchildren, Shane (Shana), Chris (Christina), Scott Jr. (Maryann), Megan and Jonam; and great grandchildren, Alexis, Brianna, Cenzie, Connor and Robin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, father, mother and brother, Mike S. Ford.

A celebration of life will be held on July 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Kearney, Mo., with a visitation prior. He will be buried next to Dianne, with his beloved dog, Red, in Holden, Mo. No graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in his name to the Nature Conservancy.