James Walter Ward

 

April 10, 1948 - December 10, 2007

James Walter Ward of Olympia, went home to be with his Lord on December 10, 2007 surrounded by friends and family.  Jim was born April 10, 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas to Dr. Drue and Louise Ward. He had a great heart and loved gardening, the outdoors, classic cars, cooking, decorating for Christmas, and his pets. During Jim's very young years, he was instrumental in forming and was a member of the boy's choir at All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Worth.

 

He graduated from Northside High School in 1966 where he was a cheerleader two years and class favorite. He went on to Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Park Management. While at Tech, Jim was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and a member of the "Saddle Tramps".   After graduation, he worked for the city of Houston in the Parks Division and was involved in the Buffalo Bayou project. In 1976 Jim received a degree from Texas A&M University in landscape architecture. He worked in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, back in Texas, and most recently in Olympia, where he was involved in the UCAN organization, serving as counselor as well as a lecturer in Olympia.

 

The family would like to express its appreciation and gratitude to his devoted friend, Daryl Tyler, for the care given to Jim during his final days.   Jim is survived by his parents, Dr. Drue and Louise Ward of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Louann (Russ) Fisher of Santa Anna, Texas, Sheron (Luis) Aguilar of Fort Worth, Texas, Cathey (Randy) Rimmer of San Antonio; Texas; nieces, Lauren Windier Ward of Rome, Georgia, Holly Aguilar of Fort Worth, Texas, and Heather Aguilar of Chicago, Illinois; nephew, Ray Beals of Midland, Texas; great nephews and great niece, Drue, Alec and John White, and Aryn Ward all of Rome, Georgia.

 

 

 

For those who didn't know him, James Ward was a spiritual man.  Kind to all his fellow man.  He genuinely cared for his friends, and felt deep sorrow for those he did not know who were suffering as well.  Always putting he's best foot forward to make the best out of each and everyday.  He help others who were in need even though he was in just as much need as those he helped.  Even to his final days, I will remember him as strong, not fearing but instead thrilling over what he was about to experience and where that experience might take him.  With the hugest smile ever he said " I can't wait to see what's next. "   And so I say, so long James good friend, until we meet again!  -- Jessica Colpitt