To the Ford Family about Jim Ford

November 10, 2009

Dear Liv, Peter, Molly, Sarah, Julie and Marie,

What a beautiful surprise to receive the book of Prayers by Jim.  I’ve been reading them and they remind me again of his commitment, his spiritual depth and his compassion.

When I came to West Point in 1967, little did I realize that probably the greatest thing I would find there would be the relationship that would be developed there with him, you Marcie and you kids (not that you are kids anymore).  The things my family and I did with the Fords will always be indelibly etched in my mind and on my heart. The memories go on and on.

While at the Academy Jim and I worked hard and played hard too and he probably didn’t know how much I learned from him.

I loved the way he gave himself to his work.

I loved the way he never took himself too seriously.

I loved the way he could laugh at things but also feel so deeply about individuals in trouble or who suffered loss.

I loved the way he was always looking for a new challenge whether it be riding a unicycle or an ultra-light or sailing an ocean or whatever.

I loved his love and commitment to his family.

I loved the way that he instilled hope in people when he preached or prayed.

I loved how human and earthy he always was.

He was hugely loyal to me and his other friends. There were a few times at the Academy when I got into scrapes with the brass. Each time Chap would go to bat for me whether it be with Gen. Bill Knowlton or Gen Bernie Rogers or with Gen Sam Koster or with anyone else.

Later on after we both moved to DC and I was going through some difficult days, Chap would always be there for me, not so much with a bunch of words, but maybe a quick phone call or a motorcycle ride or a bottle of good Scotch. As good as he was with words he was always short on advice but long on just being there with me.

I miss Chap terribly. When I think of him I always feel a great sense of gratitude but with it almost always comes a wave of acute sadness that he’s gone on. And it has to do not with the fact that he was bigger than life which he was.  It has to do with fact that he was such a real, caring friend.

Liv and kids, thanks so much for sending me the book. I treasure it.

Much love from me and Jeri.