James Griffin "JG" Ward

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University of Alabama

James Ward Obituary

JAMES GRIFFIN "JG" WARD, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee on July 30, 2005 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on January 17, 1925 in Alabama to Lula and Forrest S. Ward. JG was a World War II veteran, serving in the 460th field artillery battalion and the 517th parachute regimental combat team. During this time, he fought in five major campaigns, jumping in the invasion of Southern France and also fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. For his service to his country, JG earned the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medals. He married Mary Ritchie on March 13, 1948. In 1950 he graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology where he was a member of the Sigma Nu and Sigma Gamma Epsilon fraternities. JG served with the State Oil and Gas Board of Mississippi and later moved to Houston, Texas where he worked with Phillips Petroleum Company and Jack Colle and Associates as a Micropaleontologist before retiring in 1994. During his career he was a member of the Houston Geological Society. JG and Mary have been members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church since 1972. He is preceded in death by his parents of Carrollton, Alabama, and his brother, Winston, of Durham, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 57 years; son Steven and daughter-in-law Rhonda of Watauga, Texas; daughter Shelley and late son-in-law Dr. Arthur L. Peiffer of Gunnison, Colorado; daughter Marianne and son-in-law Robert Haas and their children Matthew and Andrew of Ft. Worth, Texas; son Scott and daughter-in-law Kelli of Bloomington, Illinois; brother Bill and sister-in-law Cherry Anne of Athens, Alabama; two nieces; five step-grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many loving friends and associates. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held in the chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas, at 10:00 A.M. on August 5, 2005. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Hospice of Cumberland County, 30 E. Adams St. Crossville, Tenn. 38555, Tennessee or Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 2, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ward

13 Entries

Merle and Jeanne Moore

August 8, 2005

We did not know Mr. Ward personally but Kelli is a niece to us and we send this in her memory that we feel deep sympathy for her and Scott. Loosing a parent is so sad but from the obituary Mr. Ward had a great life and accomplished much. Our deepest sympathy to both of you and your family.

Quenton and Joy Tubb

August 7, 2005

We were not personally acquainted with Mr. Ward but are close friends with Gary and Eddy. Scott's tribute to his Dad was very touching and gave much insight into the type man he was and the life he lived. Our prayers are with his family.

Peter , Natalee, Kaylee & Tyler Skeris

August 5, 2005

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John and Claire-Lise Knecht

August 5, 2005

Dear Marianne and family,

We are sad to hear of your loss and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May fond memories of your Dad help you through these sorrowful days and ease your pain.

Scott Ward

August 5, 2005

A toast to my dad:

My father was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He worked hard his entire life to provide a good home and life for his family. He lead each of his four children over life’s bumpy roads and ensured that we had the opportunities and tools to be successful in life. I’m so grateful for his guidance, friendship, unconditional love, and most of all, for just being a great Dad.

Now that Dad’s work day is finally complete, he can take off that "choking tie", put his feet up, and take a much-needed rest. And, I’m confident that he has a smile on his face as he admires the fruits of his labor – a strong family that loves him and will miss him so very much.

Rest well, Dad.

Doug & Patti Christiansen/ and Dorothy Spencer

August 5, 2005

We are all thinking of you all at this time of loss.We pray to God to bring comfort and peace to all of family and friends of "JG".

Gary, Kathi, Joe, Mike, Mitch La Tulip

August 4, 2005

Dear Mary and Family,

It is with great fondness that we remember the times we were able to share with J.G. Our kids insisted that we were truly related because he was Uncle Scott's Dad. Any relative of Uncle Scott's is a relative of ours. Gary has very fond memories of the time that he lived with you in Houston before all of us made it down. We hope and pray that the pain you feel will subside, but JG is watching over all of us now waiting for us to join him in Heaven one day.

Charles E & Bernice Cook

August 3, 2005

Our prayers are with all the family at this time. May God keep you in his care.

Blair & Muriel Parnell

August 3, 2005

Love to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Amy & Greg Cooke

August 3, 2005

may fond memories help ease your loss

Betty & Dave White

August 3, 2005

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ben and Lu Christiansen/Woods

August 2, 2005

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. We have fond memories of JG and will cherish them for years to come. Please know we are here and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Eddy & Gary Christiansen

August 2, 2005

Dear Mary & all.

Please know we are thinking of you and keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We have many, many happy memories.....and we are sure JG and Papa Teenie are toasting all of us with a glass of Merlot at this very moment.

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