Johny Joe Ford
September 3, 1944 - December 20, 2020

"Joe Ford was a friend Gordon Macdonald introduced me to almost 50 years ago. And on that front, I can say, without any doubt, that he was the best I've ever met. He treated everyone the same. He believed his place was not to judge, and he did that affording everyone he interacted with the same honesty, good manners and unfailing fairness. Some of that decency was innate, some of it was, no doubt, learned from the people who taught him, some informed by his faith, but what it undoubtedly was... was precious and rare. And something that we, as a society - need to remember to value. Because we need more like him. Because people like Joe Ford are extraordinary. So we can be sad that we've lost someone we cared about and who we will probably miss every day... but we can also be grateful for the time we did have with him, and for the impact he had on all our lives. Joe Ford was my colleague and my friend. And I miss him."

"Joe was a tremendous mentor who never turned you away when you appeared at his office door. He had the ability to design experiments at the drop of a hat. Not only will his contributions to animal science will last forever, he will long be remembered as a genuine person who would do anything to help people out. He will be missed."

"Joe was a great colleague and friend, as would come naturally from someone who gave so much to help others. "

"Joe was a coworker, a collaborator, a coauthor, a mentor, and most of a very good friend. He and Ann were just wonderful people."

"Some of my earliest memories involve Joe and the rest of his family. Over the years Joe and I managed to stay in touch even when our careers carried us far from home and in much different directions. I could always count on him to make me smile and keep me centered. The last time we were together I was a little depressed from dealing with my parkinson's symptoms. Joe looked at me and said, "we all have something." He will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

"My deepest sympathies to the family of Joe Ford who I have known for some 50 years. He was a wonderful person and a great scientist who will definitely be missed by family and friends. "

"Joe was a great scientist. We learned a lot from his work. "

"Joe was a very special mentor and friend-- from being on my PhD committee to my Jr faculty mentor when I came to my faculty position at UNL. He constantly told me to get outside of my comfort zone-- because, that was the only way that we can grow. He was an excellent role model for this philosophy as he retired, moved and did something totally outside of science but still helping people where he went. I treasure the time that I spent with him and feel so blessed to have his advice and guidance through the years. Joe will be missed by many. Heartfelt blessings, prayers and comfort to his family and many friends. Andrea S, Cupp, Eagle NE"

"I know Joe mostly from scientific meetings - ASAS and SSR. Besides being a very good scientist, he always struck me as a kind and welcoming person. I know this must be a very hard time for Joe\'s family but I am sure there is consolation in knowing how many people he touched during his life. "

"Dear family of Joe, We were so sorry to hear of Joe?s tragic death. Joe and I (Lloyd) had a very good professional and personal relationship over many years. We always enjoyed his Christmas greeting telling of his volunteer activities, family, and other interesting aspects of his life. It was wonderful to hear from Joe from time to time and see him on his occasional visits to Ames. Our sympathy to all his family. We wish you peace and consolation in the days ahead. Lloyd and JaNelle Anderson, Ames, Iowa"

"My heart goes out to Joe?s friends and family upon hearing of his passing. I consider Joe to be a dear friend and a top-notch mentor who counseled me early in scientific career, and continued to do so for many years after I departed the group in Nebraska. Consistent with the generosity he displayed through his many charitable/volunteer activities, Joe continued to freely mentored me over the years, whether it be related to rigors of the scientific method or life in general, and I view him as a positive role model on how to lead one?s life. Although we will miss him dearly, I consider my life to have been greatly enriched by knowing Joe over the last 30+ years. "

"My wife Denva, and I are two of those who benefited greatly from our friendship with Joe for many years. A week ago today we had about a 45-minute phone visit with Joe and as always it was an uplifting conversation as he elaborated on the many recent service endeavors in the Maryville, Mo area. I recently received a book from Joe, one of several he gave me for many years and each one had uplifting and insightful messages. This one entitled, "Hand Delivered Hope" will have a special meaning because it will be an everlasting message that i will value the rest of my days on this earth. We miss him very much and there will be a great void, as we continue in our treks down life's pathway without Joe being there with us - however, we will continue to be inspired from having him a part of our lives for the many years he and I were research colleagues that evolved into an enduring friendship among, Joe, Denva, and me. "

"We bought the house from Joe when he moved from Aurora. I ended up taking out most of those plants in his yard, yet we remained friends. I always said....Joe has a PHD and I provide balance. We enjoyed many miles traveling together. He certainly will be missed by many who\'s lives he has touched around the world. He was happy doing the most menial tasks. A couple nights ago I came across Philippians 2:2-4 Don\'t be selfish; don\'t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don\'t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. That is how Joe lived his life. He was a great example and friend. God bless you girls as you and your family go through this time of grief. We will be praying for you. Val Oswald"

"Joe & I worked in Melampy?s lab together and were colleagues at the U. S. Meat Animal Research Center. We were good friends for the past 50 years. We had contact every year about this time. He was an outstanding scientist and more importantly a very fine person. Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. Dan Laster. Tennessee "

"So sorry to hear about Joe. One of the kindest men I?ve ever known. We lived across from him and Ann and enjoyed them both so much. Joe was always so willing to explain all his plants and bushes to my kids and was the type of guy that was so insanely intelligent but never made you feel less than but built you up. He will be missed!"