Reverend Dr. James David Ford, Sr. was born in Arcadia, Oklahoma, to Arthur and Minnie Ford on December 15, 1923. He was an only child. He lost his mother at an early age and was raised by his grandfather, Mr. Sam Harris. His parents and son, Garner Ted Ford, preceded him in death. While growing up, James enjoyed playing baseball and was often caught hitting balls against the church, across the street from where he lived. His passion for baseball grew and it was exemplified during his years of playing on numerous baseball teams. On May 17, 1948, he married Catherine Marilyn Burton, his childhood sweetheart. James proved himself to be a family man. They have been married for 64 years and have raised thirteen children: eight girls and five boys. James worked as a construction worker for years prior to getting a job with Tinker Air Force Base. He worked there for 39 years and retired with high recognition and honors. James tried to run from the Lord for many years, seemingly to have forgotten about his confession. James, in the summer of 1955, accepted his call into the ministry. In October, 1957, he preached his first sermon entitled "A Great Cloud of Witness" taken from Hebrews 12:1, at the Mount Pleasent Baptist Church in Arcadia, Oklahoma under the leadership of the late Rev. G. P. Watson. James gave up his baseball career after accepting the Lord's call he knew he could not serve God and baseball. He had found a new everlasting love in the life and work of Jesus Christ. He accepted this call and remained faithful. During his ministry he received a Certificate in Christian Education from the Johnson Memorial Bible School and was on the OBU Honor Roll. After accepting his call at the Mount Pleasent Baptist Church in Arcadia, Oklahoma, Rev. Dr. James David Ford, Sr. went on to pastor the following churches during his years in the Gospel Ministry: Pleasent Ridge Baptist Church, in Jones, Oklahoma for 10 months; United Baptist Church, in Seward, Oklahoma for 4 years; United Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for 4 years and New Hope Baptist Church, Langston, Oklahoma for 8 years. In 1977, the Spirit of the Lord led him to organize Neighborhood Missionary Baptist Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Under his pastorate, he had 18 Sons in the Ministry and 2 Grandsons. He served there as pastor for 32 years and Pastor Emeritus for 8 years before going to his eternal home. Dr. James D. Ford, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory his lovely wife: Catherine Marilyn Ford; 12 children; 43 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.