Jan Jerome Ford

It is written that when life begins it is like an open book with many blank pages. Each day as we live, our deeds are recorded page by page until we close our eyes in death and await that great getting up morning… The pages of his book began for Jan on December 8, 1956. He was born in Denver, Colorado to the late Eddie and Lucille Ford. Jan was raised in Denver; however, he and his sister spent their summer months in Niles, Michigan with their grandmother. Jan was raised by a phenomenal group of women, who raised him with strict but loving hands; his mother, Lucille Ford, grandmothers, Lorina Mitchell and Lizzy Washington, and his aunt, Juanita Quattlebaum. As a young child Jan and his family attended New Hope Baptist Church. During Jan’s teenage years, he worshiped at Agape Christian Church. At the youthful age of 16 he devoted his life to Christ, and he was baptized at Agape Christian Church. Later in life Jan reunited with New Hope Baptist Church, where he served in the church for many years. Initially, Jan served on the Usher Board, after which he focused his efforts by assisting his sister in the Repast Ministry, a promise he made when she agreed to join the Ministry. Jan was an active child with a strong interest in sports activities. In elementary school he was a marbles champion, played little league football with the Owls and he spent his weekends on the basketball court at Whittier Elementary School and in vacant lots throughout the neighborhood playing various sports with a group of friends whom he remained close friends with throughout the remainder of his life. During his freshman and sophomore years in high school Jan played the position of starting guard for the Manual High Thunderbolts basketball team. During his junior and senior years, he played the position of starting guard for the East High Angels. Jan went on to receive a basketball scholarship to the University of Cumberlands in Kentucky, where he played the position of starting point guard. As an adult, Jan became an avid tennis player. Jan competed in various tennis competitions; to include the USTA League, Berkeley Park Tennis League, and the City Park Tennis League. Jan was a strong competitor, winning multiple tournaments throughout the city. Jan’s greatest accomplishment was the birth of his daughters, Ajaa and Sunni. Jan was a proud father and grandfather. He beamed with joy when he spoke of his girls and their many accomplishments. To quote Jan, “family first.” Additionally, Jan often voiced his appreciation for his ex-wife, Rise. He consistently stated she was an exceptional mother. Jan had a life partner, Hilda. Their relationship lasted for over 20 years. They lived a blessed, happy, loving life together. They believed they would grow old together, but God had other plans. Jan’s professional accomplishments are many, but his proudest accomplishment was obtaining his real estate license. Jan worked in the Real Estate industry for over 25 years. Jan strived to develop trusting relationships with his clients, and he served as a strong advocate to achieve their goals. Jan prided himself on his appearance, often dressed in a suit and fine hat, when others were dressed in casual clothing. Being a sports fanatic, Jan also wore stylish athletic attire. Jan adorned himself in fine jewelry, wearing multiple chains around his neck, oversized watches and beaded bracelets, which never compromised his masculine persona. Jan’s smile had a noticeable presence in every room he entered. His laugh would reverberate throughout the room. He never met a stranger he could not charm. He loved and supported his family and friends unconditionally. Jan departed this life on May 4, 2025, in Aurora, CO. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include, his life partner, Hilda Lozano; his two daughters, Ajaa Long (New York) and Sunni Jones-Ford (California); 3 grandchildren, Giselle Long, Sienna Long, and Sean Long Jr.; sister, Deborah Ford; nephew, Evan Samples; niece, Eboney Samples; great niece and nephew, Brianna and Taylor; and a host of relatives living in Texas and Michigan and many friends. A phenomenal man. You will be missed, but you will live in our hearts and memories forever. Rest now loved one… Job well done.

Jan Jerome Ford

December 8, 1956 - May 4, 2025

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Jan Jerome Ford

December 8, 1956 - May 4, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information