James Elzia Ford, 72, died May 19, 2013, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born June 10, 1940, to Elzia and Emma Edna Taylor Ford.

He is a 1958 graduate of Parma High School, Parma, Mo.
He was in the United States Air Force and United States Navy and was very proud that he served in both branches.

On Aug. 25, 1980, he married June Rose Rayl in Lyons, Kan. She survives.

Other survivors include: daughters, Teresa Smith and Nonie Gehring and husband Dwight; son, Rick H. Pitts and wife Dalaine, all of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jessica Self and husband Mike, Hutchinson, Chris Pitts and wife Kylie, Nickerson, Jennifer Gehring, Hutchinson, Jeff Gehring, Nickerson; great-grandchildren, Kinley and Tanner Pitts and Olivia and Lila Self; sister, Ann Schwabauer; and many nieces and nephews; and his favorite companion, Missy, his Shi Tuz. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Danny and Gene Ford; and sister, Ruth Paulette Mendenhall.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. William Green Sr. presiding. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday with the family to receive friends 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.