Obituaries

James Gladwin LaFord, age 70, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on July 31, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to Paul and Gladys (Olsen) LaFord.

He is the love of my life; we shared happy and sad times as one. He made me laugh every minute of the day. We had so many adventures together, we rarely did anything without the other. He loved to laugh and tease us all! From family to our great friends, (you know who you are!). When you were sad he’d make you belly laugh; He never let you forget he was around. Sunday’s was our ride day from Harleys to Pintos is who he was. Being outside from dawn to dusk from warehouse to shop to the house every hour checking on me. Helping everyone was what he enjoyed. He loved his babies and would always say “Who’s the best Papa.” He kissed me every morning and every night before we went to sleep. I missed your kiss Friday night, but I will always kiss you every morning and every night until we kiss again.

James is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Talentino) LaFord; his children, Tonya Dickinson, Anthony (Kate) Sanderson, Tara (Phoenix) Sanderson, Devin (Bailey) Rice, and Ashleigh LaFord; his grandchildren, Alexis (Daniel) LaFord, Lauren (Tyler) Prophet, Madyson (Dakota) Underwood, Tyler Rice, Trenton Sanderson, Sydney Sanderson, Brennah LaFord, and James LaFord III; great-great grandchildren, Harper, Oakley, Rory, James, Renesmee, and Baker; brothers, John LaFord of Capac, Michigan, Jerry (Mary) LaFord of Manistique, Michigan, Joseph (Debbie) LaFord of Oconto, Wisconsin and Jeffrey (Kami) LaFord of Emmett, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his son, James LaFord II; parents, Paul and Gladys LaFord; mother-in-law, Gloria Talentino; and sister-in-law, Shelly LaFord.

A private family service has been held.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.