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BORN
1934
DIED
2010
FUNERAL HOME
Jack Ward Obituary
He and his wife, Victoria, just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1954, during a military leave from the Army.
After the Army they relocated to Lodi, in 1956. Jack learned to sew in a technical school from an Army grant, in 1958 he opened Jack's Auto Toggery. Throughout the years of auto upholstery, Jack had an idea of designing a new kind of automotive car seat cushion.
At the time the only auto cushion available on the market was a steel wire cushion, he replaced the wire with soft foam and his new venture was born, California Cushion Co.
Among many of his inventions he will be remembered for his invention of the beanbag chair.
He was well known for his fast pitch softball, playing with many "A" teams throughout California. His fastball clocked at 90 mph, Ward pitched against The King and His Court, a 4-man exhibition team in the 1970's.
He loved the water and fishing striped bass along the Rio Vista and Sacramento Rivers.
Life has always been an adventure for Jack, which he always lived to the fullest.
He was a thoughtful, considerate and kind man, who will be missed by many.
Jack passed away peacefully at home with his family after battling a lengthy illness. He was a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Christmas with his family was always his favorite time of the year.
Jack is survived by his wife, Victoria; Daughters, Terrie Schulze, Connie and her husband Craig Prudhel, Pamela and her husband Patrick Ruff, Jackie Gifford and her fiancé Kenneth Kramer;
Grandson, Dustin Gifford and his wife Jennifer, grandsons Arthur and Lewis Prudhel, and grandson James Ruff; granddaughter Victoria Ruff, granddaughter Jessica Gifford, granddaughter Ashley and her husband Carter Benson, and granddaughter Gwen Schulze; 3 great-granddaughters and 1 great-grandson.
A Private Family Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010, in Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, with Pastor Bill Cummins of Bear Creek Community Church officiating.
Committal will be private.
Donations may be offered in his name to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95204.
A virtual guest book may be signed at www.cherokeememorial.com
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Ward
Darlene Nieto
October 24, 2010
Aunt Vickie,Terri,Jackie,Pam,and Connie,
I am truely sorry for all of our loss of this wonderful man.One knew him of husband,four knew him and father,many knew him has grandfather,and some of us knew him as Uncle.He is and always will be a wonderful man,we are truely blessed to have been apart of his family and to have known him.He always had a big heart and always gave second chances even if they werent earned,his heart of gold will always be remembered.I pray for you all always and just because i am 3000 miles away,i still am honored to have know this family and to be apart of it!God has truely blessed us all with his great presence!!My love and prayers for all of you will always be here.I miss you all dearly and now mama will be with him so they will be waiting on the rest of us to join them all one day in jesus' loving arms!
Julie Hernandez
October 17, 2010
Vickie,Pam,Jackie,and family,
I'm so sorry you had to say good bye to your loved one, I’m sorry for the pain in your hearts. Please know my heart and prayers are with you all.
Vickie, 57 years with your Soul mate, how great is that? You both did a fine job with your gang of girls. You gotta know he will always be watching over his family.
Jack is a Lodi Icon, so many people, of all ages, either knew, or know someone that knew him.
I feel privileged to say " I knew Jack Ward" a very respected man, a kind man, a hard working business man ,a family man, A Funny man, An enchilada eatin man.
I had so much fun with all of you at Willy & Shirly's wedding. I can still picture him and Pamala dancing, dancing, dancing, and having a blast.
I gotta add this... He put seat covers on
my brand new 1991 Mazda truck, junked that truck in 2006,15 year old seat covers still lookin good, those stiches, out lasted an engine with 210,000 miles on it. WTG JACK !
Jack worked hard, and gave it his all, and all was good.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
Terrie Ward
October 16, 2010
Dad
No words can describe the warm memories,
the pride, and the gratitude, that come
from having a father like you. I'm so
thankful for your Love and Guidance thru the years. How your strenght carried our family, and touched the lifes of many people. Dad your in my heart and will always be a part of me.
Until we meet again.
With All My Love,
Terrie
Pamela WARD- RUFF
October 15, 2010
Dear Dad, I know life with me number 3 daughter, was never the least, borning, and The challenge was on. But I could'nt ask for a more wonderful Father or Roll Model. I will never for get how you've, always been there, either for me, or who ever called upon you . You never said No. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND ALWAYS. And will miss you Tremendously. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. ALWAYS LOVE, YOUR PAMELA ANN #3 DAUGHTER. GOD BLESS.
Victoria Ruff
October 15, 2010
To my Grandpa - Thank you for the amazing life and memories we will always treasure! You truly touched so many people's lives. I always knew what a loving man you were, because you always made us feel loved! But to see all the people's lives you did touch is beautiful! As Aunt Connie said, you never limited yourself in who you helped!! Love you & you will be missed!!
Thank you to everyone for the love and support! It truly is heartwarming through this time.
Connie Prudhel
October 15, 2010
Daddy's Girl,
I'm so thankful to God up above for the wonderful father he so richly blessed me with..
He was a great man of many talents & gifts in which he shared & enjoyed with many.
The father I knew was very loving, kind, & never limited himself to who he could help.
I wish for a world of peace..because he is so derserving of.. Thank you for being the best of everything a great father the best friend & a wonderful PaPa to us ALL.
Until we meet again..you will truly be missed.
Your Loving Daugther,
Connie.
Leonard & Cathy Manassero
October 14, 2010
Dear Vickie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during you sadness. We have been honored to have such kind neighbors as you.
Please count on us for any help.
God bless you all.
Leonard, Cathy and Family
Casey Tate
October 14, 2010
I pray the Love of Jesus surround you and your family. I will miss my Friend Jack.
Steve and Jill Mann
October 14, 2010
Vicki and family,
Jill and share in your grief. Jack was a wonderful, generous, gracious man. He did many wonderful things for many people and we shall not forget him.
Cathy Thomas
October 14, 2010
I was saddened to hear of Jacks passing. My prayers are with Vicki and his family.
Cathy Thomas
Former employee of California Cushion Co.
October 14, 2010
Vicki and All the extended family, I have told you before that Jack was an amazing amazing man, I thank God that I got the chance to tell Jack how I felt about him in a card I gave to him one year for his birthday, I meant every word then and still do today, I've known him since around 1981 and always adored him. He was a man of his word and I admired him for being the father, husband, and grandfather he was. I will say with all my heart I am honored to have known Jack. I love his family and will always be there for anything you need. Both John and I are blessed to be a part of Jack Dempsey Ward and his family. Love you always...
John & Kelly Costamagna and Family
October 14, 2010
Thoughts and Prayers to Vicki and Family. May you rest in peace Jack.
Alice Synoground
Former California Cushion Employee
October 13, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Jack was like my second dad. We're thinking of you guys. Love Joel and Betty
Ron and Julie Benson
October 13, 2010
We knew Jack only through our daughter in law, Ashley, his granddaughter. She thinks the world of him and her Grandmother and our son, Carter, speaks of him fondly always. We are saddened that we cannot convey to him personally what a wonderful legacy he leaves in the family members we have come to know and love. Our sincere condolences to his entire family.
Estelle Morgan
October 13, 2010
Dear Vickie & Family,
All of us at Morgan's Fabrics are very saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He was a great guy with great stories. Michelle and Estelle will especially miss his "teasing" and Kevin and John will miss talking about football and the fishing stories. The rest of the Morgan family send their sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack will never be forgotten.
From all of us at Morgan's Fabrics
Wayne Koepplin
October 13, 2010
Vicki and family----Wow what a great guy Jack was. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm still grieving for my mother who passed on the 1st of oct so I know the empty feeling. I fished the delta with Jack and he taught me alot. First trip to mothball fleet was along side Jacks boat. Thanks Jack for alot of good memories. God be with your family. Luv, Wayne Koepplin
Stan Helmle
October 13, 2010
Jack was always so good to me during my years at California Cushion. The memories are all good ones.
Gayleen Tatman-Cochran
October 13, 2010
Vicki and family - I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I often think of Jack and the days he and my dad, Rex, battled against each other and at times played together, I even remember trying to warm him up with my dad at a tournament. One pitch was enough. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Maybe my dad and Jack are playing together again.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home
October 12, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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