James Ward

James Wesley Ward WILLIAMSBURG - The Rev. James Wesley Ward, 70, died suddenly of natural causes at home June 24, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna Graves Ward; sons, Keith A. Ward and Michael D. Ward of Fairfax, Va.; daughters, Karolynn Ward Davis and husband Rick of California and Angela Ward Bailey of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Nicholas Ties, Walter Bailey, Brian Western, Casey Western and Kenneth Layne Davis; and brother, William T. Ward and wife Ann Ward of Deltaville. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Harold Gilmer (Pompey) Ward, Carrie Mason Ward and brother, H.G. Jr. of Cheriton on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. "Jimmy" graduated from Northampton High School, Eastville, Va., in 1957. He attended Ferrum Junior College, Lynchburg College, and Duke University. He entered the ministry of the Methodist Church in 1963 as a student pastor to a small rural church in Franklin Co. while a student at Ferrum. He continued serving churches as he completed his education. He served as pastor to 16 churches in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for more than 41 years. One of the highlights of his career was his association with Volunteers in Mission. He was involved in more than 30 teams doing work in Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica, Appalachia and Homestead, Fla., after Hurricane Andrew. Jim and Donna retired to Williamsburg in 2004 where he enjoyed frequent games of golf with friends. In retirement, he served as secretary to the Villages of Westminster Homeowners Association for three years. Prior to retirement, Jim enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes in several locations. He helped form and was secretary to an RC Club in Lynchburg. Jim was a "man for all seasons," enjoying golf, football (Redskins), baseball, basketball and hockey. In recent months, he had become fond of watching the "Dangerous Catch" on TV most evenings. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 514 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. The church is completely handicapped accessible. The cremains will be returned to the Ward Family plot in the Cape Charles Cemetery at a later date. The family welcomes memorial contributions to UMVIM, SEJ (United Methodist Volunteers In Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction), 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 750, Decatur, GA 30030 or a charity of choice. Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.