Minister Arthur James Ford, Sr.

Obituary For Minister Arthur James Ford, Sr.

OPELOUSAS – Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, 1606 W. College Ave., Opelousas, LA for Minister Arthur James Ford, Sr., 74, who entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Pastor Frank L. Ford and Elder Daniel Ford, both of Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, will be officiating the funeral service.

Arthur James Ford, Sr. was born to the late Josie Ford Bruno and Adam Ford, Sr. He was the eighth of eleven children. He was a Leap Year Baby (Feb 29th); therefore, he celebrated his birthday on March 1st every year, except for when there was a leap year, he celebrated on both days.

He was baptized by the late Rev. Roosvelt Joubert at Straight Light Baptist Church.

Arthur attended Paul Laurence Dunbar and Plaisance High School, where he played football and earned his high school diploma. Along with their children, Arthur was reared by the late Adolph and Lillian Joubert when he attended Plaisance High. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army for six years, earning the rank of Sargeant and receiving an Honorable Discharge. During his tenure, he served faithfully as a military medic and during the Vietnam era. After completing his military service and returning to civilian life, Arthur began a career with the United States Postal Service and enrolled into Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for two years to pursue Sociology. He faithfully served with the United States Postal Services until his retirement.

Arthur was well known and loved by many. Throughout his life, he was affectionately called by several names, including AJ, Clause, Mailman and Mr. Brown. To his nieces and nephews, however, he was simply “Uncle Tunk.” Of all the names he carried, the one he treasured most was “Dad.”

Arthur found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, gardening, cooking, smoking his homemade sausages, attending the Angola Rodeo, and serving as a “Facebook Minister,” using social media as a platform to share the Word of God and encourage others in their faith.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Arthur faithfully ministered alongside his brother at Community Chapel Church of God in Christ, where he served as a minister. His love for God was evident not only in his words, but also in his actions.

Arthur exemplified one of God’s foundational principles—generosity. He was a man who consistently put the needs of others before his own. Generosity was not merely something he practiced; it was woven into the fabric of who he was. His kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Arthur’s precious memories will be forever cherished by: his beloved children, Arthur James Ford, Jr. and Avery Terell Ford, both of Baton Rouge, LA and two daughters, Rujeko Nancy Precious Kawewe of Carbondale, IL and Danielle Vanessa Fefee Ford of Dallas, TX; brother, Rev. Frank L. (Crystal) Ford; his devoted caregiver, Lois S. Ford of Baton Rouge, LA; sister-in-law, Mrs. Martha Collins Ford of Opelousas, LA; brother-in-law, Harry Baker of Opelousas, LA; godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Arthur was joyfully welcomed into eternal rest and reunited with his beloved parents, Adam Ford, Sr. and Josie Ford-Bruno; four brothers, Adam Ford, Jr., Deacon Freddie L. Ford, Sr., James L. Ford and Ray Ford; and five sisters, Mary Lou Baker, Lois Ford, Josie Black, Linda Faye Chaission and Verda Mae Jones.

Visitation will be observed on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Community Chapel C.O.G.I.C.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com.

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.

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