From early August to late May, Holy Rosary Catholic School Principal Jim Ford interacts with teachers and students, teaches three religion classes a day, fills out lots of forms, orders books and creates new programs.But in summer he’s not a paperwork kind of guy.A musician for 40 years, Ford just produced his 16th CD titled “Giggles, Wiggles & Jiggles.” Geared to infants and preschoolers, the CD is dedicated to his grandchildren, 4-year-old Eliza and 1-year-old Parker, who live in St. Francesville, La., a town about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. “The CD keeps me connected to my grandkids,” Ford said.“It’s really neat for my dad to do this,” said Amy Dreher, Ford’s daughter, in a telephone conversation. “I am proud of him and what he has accomplished. Music is his passion and he still pursues it. This is a way for us to keep him forever.”Written prior to Parker’s birth, the CD contains 12 songs. Ford wrote and sang all of the songs on the CD with the exception of “You Are My Sunshine,” which Ford sings with his granddaughter Eliza. He also played the acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, keyboard, accordion, bass and harmonica in each of the songs. Eliza drew the front cover for the CD. “It was a joint effort,” Ford said.While one of the songs, “Mardi Gras 2 Step,” narrates a trip Ford took with his family to the Eunice, La., Mardi Gras celebration in February 2012, most of the songs celebrate the ordinary activities Eliza enjoys, like going to the library, visiting the zoo, and spending time in Nana’s garden.“My dad always has his tape recorder out when he’s with the kids. He likes to be silly with them. They have a special relationship,” Dreher said. “He finds inspiration everywhere.”In addition to influencing countless lives as an educator, Ford, 62, has influenced many different audiences as a musician. The Massachusetts native has produced two religious albums for Christian Life communities. From 1985 to 2000, he was the campus minister for Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis and helped produce a Christian rock opera which focused on the Peter and Paul relationship.In 1978, Ford and his friend, Steve Galati, formed a band called Harmony. It has produced two albums of modern folk music, both of which were introduced with release parties at The Sheldon Theater in St. Louis in August 2009 and 2010, respectively.Harmony currently plays for dances and festivals around the area.During summers from 1993 to 2000, Ford taught students at the New City School summer camps in University City how to write, record and perform their original compositions.And, to the delight of students and teachers alike last year, Ford performed a 30-minute rooftop lunch concert in recognition of Holy Rosary students meeting a $6,000 magazine drive goal.With all his talent, there’s probably only one thing Ford can’t do with his music. “We’ve asked him not to give Parker a drum set until he’s in college,” Dreher said. “Eliza plays the drum set when we come to Papa’s house.”“The Giggles, Wiggles & Jiggles” CD is $10. Ford is in the process of putting it on ITunes. It is now available for pick up at Holy Rosary Catholic School and Holy Rosary Parish office, 716 East Booneslick Road, Warrenton. Reserve or request a copy of the CD by calling 636-456-3698.

HUGS - Holy Rosary Principal Jim Ford and his granddaughter Eliza. Ford created a CD of childrens' songs dedicated to his grandkids.