James Melvin Ford III, of New York, New York, a professional Barber, peacefully entered into rest on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at home in Stephen/Alvin, South Carolina. He was under hospice care during the last two months of his long fight against cancer.

James, ("Jamie" as he was fondly called), was born in Kingstree, South Carolina, on February 13, 1971, to James Melvin Ford, Jr. and Joyce Ann Middleton Ford. He was an only child who was loved and adored. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the tender age of nine and was baptized and became a member of Canaan Baptist Church, Harlem, New York under the pastorate of the late Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, Jr. He was actively involved in church family life, and ministry. He spent several years of his early life with his grandparents, aunts and uncle and cousins in South Carolina. He was baptized again and became a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Pineville, SC under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Arthur White. There he continued to grow in his knowledge of the Word of God and his faith in Jesus Christ.

Jamie began his education in the Berkeley County School System and completed his education in the public and private school systems of New York City. He excelled academically as a student and was very gifted and talented with his hands. After graduating Rhodes Academy, (The International School) NYC, he entered South Carolina State University and studied Mechanical Engineering for 3½ years.  He returned to New York and worked at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  There he met and engaged his love, Charmaine Elliott, and from this relationship Elijah James Ford was born.

James, "The Artist" as he was known, was gifted with his hands from an early age; painting, drawing, sculpturing, tinkering, constructing and deconstructing. He could build and repair anything. It was a gift from God.  He displayed his first works of art and participated as the lead artist on a summer project sponsored by the New York City Zoo at the age of 13-14. He was a designer and worked with various forms of medium. He created art designs for clothing, record album covers and art illustrations for published works. He loved and adored his grandfather, the late Deacon Benjamin Middleton, who was as a surrogate father and mentor. He obediently absorbed all he offered spiritually, morally and especially his skills as a barber. He completed his apprenticeship in New York City and received his license to Barber. He combined his artistic gifts with his passion for barbering and created and introduced new and unique styles that were "cutting edge". Jamie's gifting as a Barber in the Harlem Community drew clients and many sought him out.

James was preceded to eternal rest by his maternal grandparents whom he loved dearly, Grandma Bicky and Grand Daddy. He leaves to cherish his rich memory and celebrate his legacy, his parents, James Melvin Ford and Joyce Ford-Eady, his son, Elijah James, and Charmaine Elliott, MD mother of his son. He also leaves his aunts and uncles: Phyllis Mitchell (Herb), Capers Middleton (Barbara), Rosette Middleton, Rev. Clinton Middleton (Rev. Gloria), Pastor Laura Pierce, and Maude Middleton; cousins he grew up with in South Carolina like brothers and sisters: Philip, Debra and Gaylen Mitchell and Victoria Mitchell-Radcliff (Demond); Shantell Sweeney, Cherie and Keiona Middleton; Clinton, Benjamin and Shante Middleton of Florida; Joyous Pierce of New York, and also a host of dear cousins, relatives and friends.

James fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day: and not to him only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.