Jim was born September 29, 1921 in Frederick, Illinois the son of the late James R. and Ruth Hindeman Ward.
Jim completed his education at Rushville High School, and in the early 1940's enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving during WWII. After his honorable discharge, Jim moved to Peoria, Illinois where he owned and operated a restaurant, a farm, and doughnut shop. Jim later moved to Kenosha where he was an active member of the Lions Club, worked as the Food Service Director at St. Catherine's Hospital, and then owned and operated Coffee Time Service Vending company until 1982 when he retired to his northwoods vacation home.
On November 8, 1969 he married Joan Bouwman in Kenosha. Together they enjoyed traveling to Puerto Rico wheere they spent their winters. Jim enjoyed rug booking, in which he made many beautiful rugs, as well as the outdoors where he took great pride in his garden and land.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Sandra Svob, Peoria, IL, Linda Robert Zdenek, Shalimar, FL; daughter-in-law, Margaret Ward, Kenosha; stepchildren, James Deborah Holder, Seminole, FL, David Sue Holder, Dorr, MI, Patricia Jeffrey Marti, Marshall, MN; sister, Marsha Scrivner, Muncie, IN; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by a son, Ronald Ward of Kenosha, and a brother, Albert Ward.
Private services were held, and the family would appreciate any memorials in Jim's name to the American Cancer Society. Interment at Crandon Lakeside Cemetery. Halverson-Suminski Funeral Home of Crandon given the privilege of serving the family.