James Marshall Ford “Sporto”

 

About Sporto

James Marshall Ford, “Sporto,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2023, after an eight-month battle with cancer.

Sporto was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 21, 1964 to Troy and Helen (Bergstrom) Ford. He moved to Grand Portage when he was around five years old. He spent many hours at Ryden’s Border Store where his dad operated the cafe. He learned to cook there. In 1982, Troy opened the South of the Border Cafe in Grand Marais. Sporto, his brother Steve, and cousin Shannon Hicks, continued to work with him there. They eventually took over the restaurant, affectionately known as SOB.

Sporto took over operations of SOB sometime in the early 2000s, and that is when it really became known as “Sporto’s South of the Border.”

He graduated from Cook County High School in 1982 and entered the U.S. Army Reserves. After his discharge, he returned home to the North Shore. He was proud of his military service and joined American Legion Post 413. Sporto took part in many Legion Color Guard activities parades, Memorial Day ceremonies, and funerals. He was also a caller for meat and money bingo nights.

Sporto enjoyed fishing and hunting, but would only tell his wife Wendy the secret spots.

He was a football fanatic and loved the Chicago Bears. He liked watching anything sports related, which is why he was known as Sporto. He also was a coach for baseball–from T-ball and Parent Pitch to Little League.

Sporto loved spending time with friends and family, especially his four grandkids.

He is preceded by his parents and sister-in-law, Cheryl Ford.

Sporto is survived by his wife of 25 years, Wendy; two sons, Kyle (Lovely) of Grand Portage and Danny (Jenny) of Grand Marais; and four grandchildren, Karis, Leo, Kobe and Kandace; brother Steve, Hovland; and sister Nora (Wayne Holler), Florida); ex-wife and special friend, Sheila Ryden; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, his cat, Gabby; and too many friends to count.

The family would like to remember Sporto with one of his favorite sayings, “Drive fast and take chances!”

Sporto’s funeral is January 21st at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. and the service is at 2 p.m.