Jan Raymond Ford was an adjunct instructor in the department of sociology and anthropology who passed away after a long illness on Oct. 1, at Serenity House. He was 70.

“When I think about Jan, I think of the many spirited discussions we have had over the years. He was really able to get people thinking,” Marcy Moore, sociology instructor and colleague said. “He had a wonderful sense of humor and was very compassionate as well. He had a great capacity to bring out the best in his students by getting them to debate in a thoughtful manner.”

Ford was born on July 7, 1942 and lived most of his life in Santa Barbara. Educated at Cal State San Francisco, Cal State Los Angeles, University of Washington, and Antioch University, he worked as an adjunct instructor at City College from 1997-2011 teaching courses in psychology and anthropology. He also worked as a martial arts instructor in the physical education department.

Prior to his job at City College, he was an investigator for the U.S. Public Health Service, and a taxi driver. He also owned a bar, was one of the founders of the Skeptical Buddhist Association and was President of Anger Management Counseling Services.

Ford practiced martial arts for more than 50 years and was an owner and a chief instructor of Ford’s Martial Arts Studio. He was a top-ranked competitor in martial arts in California.

He loved to work with students and until he died, he was still receiving letters from former students thanking him for teaching them how to think critically.

“Jan was a great teacher and great scholar. I realized how funny he was and how talented he was in his classroom,” said Jill Stein, dean of anthropology and sociology, about watching him teach.

Ford has no immediate surviving family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Oct 21 at 11:30 am at Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.