James "Jim" Gino LaFord, 81, Martinsville, IN passed away in his home on September 10, 2021. He was born on May 26, 1940 in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Jim is survived by his wife Corrina LaFord of Martinsville; sisters Pauline Ponto of Indiana &Veronica Sword of Virginia; brother Jerry LaFord of Michigan; his sons Ronald LaFord of Tell City, IN & Jason (Wendy) LaFord of Bradenton, FL; his daughters Kathy (Larry) Fleming of Tell City, IN, Annette (Todd) LaFord-Reid of Spencer, IN, Natanya (Chuck) Sturgill of Greenfield, IN,& Amanda Daudy of Plainfield, IN; 16 grandchildren, Josh, Christi, Brianna, Hailey, Dakota,Jami, Martha, Valiant, Jason, Dyllon, Olivia, Damien, Carl, Gina, Mallory, & Cory; 8great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; and his German Shepherd best friend, Brownie.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul LaFord and Margaret (Wice) LaFord Wykes; daughter, Rebecca Leeann; granddaughter Danielle Karr;brothers, Charles “Bud” LaFord & Paul LaFord; sisters, Edna Anderson & Margaret “Sis”Woolsey.
On June 15, 1991, Jim married the love of his life, Corrina (Mosteller) LaFord.
In 1958, at the age of 18, Jim began working for White Castle, where he worked for 41 years before retiring in June 1999. After retiring, Jim and Corrina spent their time traveling together with their family. Jim traveled to many beautiful destinations, but in his heart, no place compared to his home state of Michigan. Jim was fascinated by lighthouses, and made sure to look for one on every trip he took. Jim’s final trip was to Michigan with his favorite person, Corrina, and his favorite dog, Brownie
At home, Jim could often be found cheering on his Michigan Wolverines in football, forcing his family to watch old Western movies, listening to his favorite music while dancing with his wife,and laughing uncontrollably with anyone who visited. Jim can be remembered by his infectious laugh, as hardworking, dedicated, strong, being the best dressed, and the man who had a personality that could fill an entire room. He did not know a stranger, and made sure to make anyone around him feel comfortable. Jim loved his people well, and never missed an opportunity to show them that... especially with his wife, who he always made sure to tell “I love you more”.
Jim was baptized on March 19th, 2000. After this, he set four goals for himself. 1. Touch God 2.Touch a project 3. Touch a person 4. Touch your own family. It is safe to say, Jim successfully checked off all of these goals, and while his family aches for his presence and booming personality down here, we know he is rejoicing with the Lord and all of his loved ones in heaven.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside burial on September 22nd, 2021 at 1:00 PM at West Ridge Park Cemetery in Indianapolis with a lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com
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