In Memoriam: Jeremiah Ford, III, AIA
Posted on Nov. 6, 2025 / Subscribe 0
In Memoriam: Jeremiah Ford, III, AIA
April 22, 1932 – October 1, 2025
AIA Central New Jersey mourns the passing of Jeremiah (“Jerry”) Ford, III, AIA, a distinguished architect whose work shaped Princeton and beyond. He died peacefully at his home in Princeton on October 1.
Born in Philadelphia, Jerry earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1954 and later completed a Master of Fine Arts at the Princeton Graduate School of Architecture. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan, where studying local culture and architecture influenced his future work. Jerry apprenticed with notable firms including Kenneth Kassler, Harrison & Abramovitz, Welton Becket, and the Port of New York Authority, contributing to projects such as the World Trade Center. He went on to become a founding partner of several architectural firms, including Walker Sander Ford and Kerr Architects and Planners; Short and Ford Architects (later Ford Farewell Mills and Gatsch); and Ford 3 Architects.
Over his career, Jerry designed more than 300 residential projects and numerous preservation, institutional, and commercial works. He was particularly proud of leading the restoration and renovation of the legislative portions of the New Jersey State House and State House Annex and designing the Assembly Chamber carpet featuring the State’s tree, bird, flower, and insect.
Jerry was deeply engaged in Princeton’s architectural and civic community, serving on boards including the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, Colonial Club, Princeton Alumni Council, and as President of the Princeton Class of 1954.
He is survived by his daughter Katherine Ford; stepchildren Dana Stewardson, Liza Connolly, and Caroline Thornewill; step-grandchildren; and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Stewardson Ford, former wife Judith S. Ford, daughters Amanda and Amy Ford, and sister Sally Ann Knapp.
AIA Central New Jersey honors Jerry Ford’s remarkable contributions to architecture and his lasting impact on the Princeton community.
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