By Josip Bogovic
A truly successful family builds on the merits of generations past and present. As we explore the life of young Jonathan Ford, we are likely to conclude that the Ford and Felando (Felanda) families are having continued success with the present generation of youth representing them. In this case, it may be difficult to outshine the accomplishments of past generations, but what’s important is to add color and merit to the family tree.
Jonathan Ford was born in San Diego, California, in November 1999 to parents John Ford and Juliann Felando. Dad was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and Mom in San Diego, California. On Jonathan’s mom’s side of the family, his great grandfather, August was born on the island of Vis and emigrated at the age of seven to San Pedro, California, where his son and Jonathan’s grandfather, August, was born. He consequently moved to Point Loma in San Diego. August was a tuna fisherman turned maritime lawyer. Jonathan’s grandfather on his dad’s side was Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977.
Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and how your parents met. “My dad is an entrepreneur/businessman who started several new businesses, his most recent in the shopping center industry. My dad met my mom at a Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser that was organized by the Tuna Industry. My brother Christian, 28, had a Croatian passport until he joined the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer (a lawyer for the U.S. Navy). I still have my Croatian passport, and we both play lacrosse for the Croatian National Team. Growing up, it was important to our parents to instill in us moral values and a certain degree of level-headedness. They wanted us to embrace both sides of our heritage. My mom comes from a large family, and we often had huge, memorable family dinners. My parents and grandparents promoted the idea of being humble in life. They often said, ‘Be careful of the choices you make. Live life to the fullest and be happy, and Respect and protect the world God has given us.,” said the well-spoken, polite, happy young man.
Tell us about some of the choices you’ve made. “My grandfather, Gerald, was an All-American football player at the University of Michigan. While attending the University of Michigan would have been a great honor, I decided to forge my own path at the University of Notre Dame, where I played lacrosse. My major at UND was finance with a minor in real estate. The University of Notre Dame is in South Bend, Indiana, where the weather isn’t quite like San Diego, on the gray, rainy side, thus building a certain grittiness in the experience and one’s character. Notre Dame is a special school; it certainly has structure. We all attended church on Sunday, and the environment is conducive to camaraderie and personal development. I formed many tight bonds, especially with my lacrosse teammates. Most of us now work on Wall Street in banks and financial firms, but we still hang out outside of the office in our free time. Notre Dame has no fraternities and most classes had around 20 students per class,” said the impressionable, clear-thinking young man.
Now you live in New York; how is the experience with work and the Big Apple? “I’ve been in New York for about a year now. I was fortunate to land a job at JPMorgan. It’s a great place to work. I like structure and precise methodology; JPMorgan provides that. I learn from the smartest minds in business. Currently, I’m in JPMorgan’s investment bank working on the real estate team, analyzing commercial lending and restructuring opportunities. My sports background has ingrained in me a strong sense of competitiveness; all that energy I put into sports is now focused on work. When I do something, it’s usually to the fullest extent and over the top. When you do something, think big, go for it,” said Jonathan with a passionate smile. How is AI influencing or altering your work? “It’s a unique addition. Efficient workers will make good use of it, while those who do not perform well, AI will expose them.” Will you ever enter the political arena as your grandfather Gerald did? “That’s not my cup of tea; my brother Christian is more suited for that world.”
Tell us more about your family’s influence on you. “My grandfather, August, was a happy individual who loved walking in the great outdoors. I would say I took his happy disposition from him, and I, too, love outdoor activities. My grandmother Ann loved the holidays, especially Christmas, when she immersed herself in decorating and cooking. I remember all the candy canes she assembled; they are fondly imprinted in my mind. The leadership skills I have accumulated I can directly attribute to my grandfather Gerald and my dad. I fondly remember spending time with the Ford side of the family in Beaver Creek, Colorado, where we skied many winters. Most Thanksgivings we spent in Palm Springs, where we watched football together as a family. Christian, my dad, Grandfather Gerald, and I played football, which made it more relevant and interesting. My grandmother Betty is known for bringing breast cancer awareness to women in her role as First Lady. She co-founded the Betty Ford Clinic, which assists people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. The clinic is still treating patients; it began operating in 1982. Betty was a happy person who was always excited to see us. She made sure we would get a sweet treat after every meal; ice cream was at the top of the list. My mom, Juliann, and my dad are extremely influential in my life. They lead by example, expressing humility and appreciation for life. They taught us to be respectful through repetition; these ideals become a part of one’s character. The Fords have a saying: ‘Ford’s never quit.’ I try to live by that. I’m also aware of the struggles my family members have faced. Grandfather Gerald had a somewhat unstable childhood. For a time, he was raised by just his mom. My grandmother Betty had her struggles as well. It’s important to have a broad view of family history. Focus on what works and avoid what is not constructive or beneficial to oneself, one’s family, or society at large.”
How did playing lacrosse for the Croatian National Team come about? “Before the COVID pandemic, we became very interested in our Croatian roots and visited and explored Croatia. When Christian and I found out that they had a national lacrosse team, we said, ‘Let’s see how we can join.’ The Croatian Lacrosse Foundation helped us. I play long-stick midfield and defense. We have Croatian players who are amazing athletes, and we also have Croatian-Americans who play for the team like me. This November, we have a competition in Spain where we look forward to contributing on Croatia’s side. My parents will be rooting for our team. August passed away a little over a year ago, and he will also be there in spirit.”
Jonathan Ford embodies moral, traditional values rooted in strong family principles, religious scripture, work ethic, physical activity, long-lasting relationships, a happy disposition, and positive participation in life. He is actively living life to its fullest.
Jonathan, what are you looking forward to? “Sometime in the near future, I hope to purchase a vineyard on the island of Vis. That would be amazing; it’s something that always circulates in my mind,” he joyously smiles.
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