45+ Years at KCAI, Beloved Custodian Jamie Ford Retires
12.18.2024
Jamie Ford has taken care of different buildings across the Kansas City Art Institute for nearly the past half century. His first day of full-time work on the cleaning crew was in 1979.
He recently announced his retirement date as December 18, 2024.
Students, faculty, staff, and alumni know Jamie for his willingness to start a conversation about almost anything - movies, music, sports, the weather - as well as his dedication to detail. Jannes Library - where he works now - is consistently in sparkling condition, a reflection of his work ethic for which he is proud.
He recalls getting the position through his step-father who worked for many years (starting in the 1950s) managing the groundskeeping crew at KCAI.
"And that's where I saw some of the kids drawing. And I said to myself, 'That's what I want to do.' You keep going. Never give up. My mom always said 'First you don't succeed, try, try again," Ford said.
"March 1, 1979 was when I was put on full-time. I was pretty young. I was 25 when I started."
"I've been outgoing for years and when I was little I didn't do any talking at all. My adopted mom was 20 when she got me from an orphanage - because I set for an orphanage for two years. And they explained to me, you know, that they wanted to adopt because they couldn't have kids," Jamie said.
"My step-dad taught me a lot of stuff because he practically raised me after my mom died. And he said 'Well, why don't you come with me and work?' And I walked through all the studios pulling trash and making sure everything was clean," he said.
"The students knew me so they called me Jamie because that's what I always responded to but my real name is James."
Compelled by His Surroundings
For Jamie, being around faculty (specifically mentioning Professor of Painting Wilbur Niewald) as well as students in their studios gave him confidence to doodle, draw, and share his own raw art pieces - solicited or not. An unofficial exhibition of his work covered the rear hallway of Jannes Library.
Please wish Jamie a happy retirement - especially if you see him in-person. He said what he’ll miss most about working at KCAI are the people - and day-to-day chit-chat during common encounters.