Obituary of James H. Ward, Jr.

James H. (Jim) Ward, 75, passed away at the Durham VA on February 9, 2024 surrounded by family members.

Jim was born on July 9, 1948 in Cleveland, TN to James H. Ward, Sr. and Ruby Standifer Ward, both deceased.

A native of Alamance County, he was the husband of Kathy Smith Ward with whom he celebrated his 42nd wedding anniversay in January 2024.  Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church, Burlington where he was active in the men's Harry Willis Sunday School Class for many years and most recently in the Pilgrim Class.  Jim served in the United States Army from October 1967 to September 1971 where he earned several metals of honor from his service in the Vietnam War.  He was employed by the city of Greenville, SC as a Patrol Officer after his discharge from the Army.  He also worked as a Correctional Officer in N.C. however, spent the majority of his working days in sales.  

Jim's love for his God, family and country were displayed in his daily living.  Hardly a day passed that he did not proudly display his BIG RED 1 hat, whether indoors or out, and was always happy to explain exactly what that represented to any that would listen.  Helping a fellow veteran in any way was a personal mission he set for himself and he spent countless hours doing just that.

He is survived by three sons, Eric S. Clark and wife Crystal of Snow Hill, NC, Fr. Justin L. Ward of Birmingham, AL and Ryan L. Ward and wife, Robyn of Burlington, NC.  "Poppy"is also survived by his two loving granddaughters, Kaitlyn T. Clark and Makenzy R. Ward, whom he adored, and a sister, Phyllis Madasz of Sharon, PA, brother in law and sister in law, Lynn D. Smith and Joyce C. Smith of Mebane along with several nieces and nephews and their children.  

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Ann Bagwell of Greer, SC.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the First Baptist Church , 400 South Broad Street, Burlington, NC  by Pastor Chase Robinson.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.  

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 400 S. Broad Street, Burlington, NC 27215, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington VA  22201, American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Marrifield, VA 22116-7023 or to St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, PO Box 380396, Birmingham, AL  35238.