Kleberg-Kenedy County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources John Ford, sitting in his new King Ranch rocking chair, accepts a resolution from Kleberg County Judge Pete De La Garza. Also pictured are Commissioners David Rosse and Roy Cantu. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) Aug. 31 declared Well-wishers paid tribute to John Ford at his retirement party Tuesday at the J.K. Northway Exposition Center.

Ford is retiring after 31 years of service to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, having served 21 of those years as the Kleberg-Kenedy County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources; his last official day will be Aug. 31.

Frank Escobedo, Kleberg-Kenedy County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development, thanked everyone for attending as they mingled and had refreshments and praised Ford for his hard work and dedication over the years.

Kleberg County Judge Pete De La Garza presented Ford with a resolution and proclamation on behalf of the Kleberg County Commissioners Court, which declared Aug. 31, 2010 as John Ford Day in Kleberg County.

“I want to take this time to thank you for all of the work you have done for our county,” De La Garza said. “I am not here just as a judge; I am also here as a friend and I wish you the best.”

Pct. 1 Commissioner David Rosse spoke of the great assets that Ford has given to the county and thanked him for his friendship.

“The reason why John is leaving after 31 years is because he could not whip the mother ship into shape so he decided to give up,” Rosse, an admitted hardcore Aggie, said jokingly.

“In all seriousness, there are three things that we asked of John Ford in Kleberg County: one, to be the chairman of the Citizens Review Board between URI and Kleberg County, and along with others he did an outstanding him to review the special taxing district in the hotelmotel tax and he also did an outstanding job there,” Rosse said.

“Third, we asked him to chair the review of the J.K. Northway Coliseum to find some ways of marketing it to make it more acceptable to use for different events and John and his committee came back with an extensive valuable report. Not only that but his friendship is very valuable to me and there will never be another John Ford in Kleberg County and I am proud to call you my friend.”

Pct. 3 Commissioner Roy Cantu also quickly thanked Ford for his work.

“You have done a great job for us and I wish you luck in everything you do,” he said.

Shelby McFall, a member of the 4-H Executive Council, said, “On behalf of all the members of the Kleberg-Kenedy County 4-H we would like to thank you for all of your hard work and without you this program wouldn’t be possible.”

A King Ranch rocking chair engraved with the words “donated to John Ford for 31 years of service to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service” was given to Ford on behalf of the 4-H members and other private donors.

Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Director Susan Ivy thanked Ford for his involvement in the livestock show and with her department.

“John has made a huge contribution to the youth of Kleberg and Kenedy Counties and his involvement with the livestock show has been overwhelming and appreciated throughout the years,” she said. “He has always shown support for my department and we wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.”

Jim Wells County Extension Agent Rogelio Mercado also spoke of his time working with Ford as his assistant agent from 1993-1995.

“I trained directly under John he was an excellent person to work with,” Mercado said. “He has always been there with advice anytime I needed him and he is a true agriculture agent that is in touch with farmers and producers needs like nobody else that I know of.”

When asked about his reasoning for retiring Ford said he knew it was time and he is looking forward to what is next.

“After 31 years I decided to take a break and I’m excited and interested to see what happens now; there are still moments when I want to stay, but I know that it’s my time to go,” he said. “My family and I are staying here in Kingsville because this is our home. I’m going to take a month or two off and then decide what to do from there; I’m sure I’ll find something to keep me busy.”

Ford became interested in agriculture at an early age while his grandfather had a small farm in eastern Tennessee.

From those roots, he pursued interests in cattle, developing a purebred herd of Shorthorn cattle while still in high school.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science in 1979 at Sul Ross State University in Alpine and Master of Science degree in animal Science in 1991 at Texas A&I University.

His career started in 1979 with the extension service and it proved to be a good fit for him since he enjoys working with people from all walks of life.

His career included positions as the Wilbarger Assistant County Extension Agent (Ag) in Vernon from 1980 to 1981; Cottle County Extension Agent (Ag) in Paducah from 1981 to 1985; Baylor County Extension Agent (Ag) in Seymour from 1985 to 1989; and Kleberg/ Kenedy County Extension Agent (Ag) in Kingsville from 1989 to 2010.

Some of his many career highlights include receiving the South District 12 Excellence in Extension Community Development Programming Award, the South District 12 Excellence in Extension Agricultural Programming Award, the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science Excellence in Equine Education Award, and the Texas Extension Service Specialist Association Distinguished Service Award.

He was recognized by the Texas A&M University System for Excellence in Community Collaboration, has served as a mentor to numerous extension agents that have chosen extension as a career, and was appointed by the Kleberg County Commissioners’ court to numerous projects because of his leadership ability.

Ford is an active member of the community, serving on many boards and in leadership positions, including the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, past president of the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, coordinated Leadership Kingsville 2000 through 2008, Board Member of the Kleberg- Kenedy Farm Bureau, past president of the Kleberg- Kenedy Farm Bureau, Texas A&I Community Advisory Board, Coastal Bend College Campus Advisory Board, and many others.

He has given time and talent to assist numerous community organizations in fundraising events including United Way Hat’s Off, Community in Schools Living Legends, Kingsville Woman’s Club Breast Cancer Awareness, and the Kingsville Boys and Girls Club Auction.

Ford and his wife Lisa, will be celebrating 27 years of marriage next month; their 15-year-old son Zachery is a sophomore at Santa Gertrudis Academy High School.